Some Early Christmas Crackers!

Yes folks it’s coming around to that time of year again! In the wine trade it’s all about finding the right wine to go with the person, and also the food.

I normally go for the latter, as I always think about food matches. Therefore, I have a few wines to recommend that should come up trumps for the festive season.

My own selection is based on the type of dishes we will be enjoying at home. This means I always consult with my wife in advance to find out what delights will be prepared.

This is not a turkey household, so, I muse over other dishes whilst driving the 204 miles to Knutsford each week and back!

Prep is the most important aspect as far as I’m concerned, and I’m just waiting for a “wine of the century” to turn up. I took a risk back in March, and purchased from Oz Wines the 2006 St Hallett Old Block Shiraz.

A really tremendous wine, but this will not be drunk this year. It will be popped away with my other St Hallet vintages to sleep for a bit longer! This has now arrived and safely stashed away.

Swiftly moving on to some more straight forward selections:

I purchased the La Gioiosa Prosecco from the  Tesco London Wine Fair back in late September. There’s a few bottles left of that, so, I will open some on Christmas Eve, and make a Buck’s Fizz on Christmas Day.

Great to enjoy whilst opening presents and “nibbling” pre lunch.

For those who don’t like fizz, I’ve got an absolute smasher of a Sauvignon Blanc. Not from New Zealand, but from LFE in Chile. It’s LFE Seleccion de Familia, in Asda.

Normally, £7.98, but Asda will have it on offer at some point and it will sell out at  £5.00 a bottle. Just a super wine, and right on the button. Enjoyed a bottle with my son and a friend in The Lakes on Saturday 14th November in Keswick.

(See photo below of bottle shape and label)

Chilean Beauty!

Luis Felipe Edwards makes great wines, and is still a family concern. Always delivers quality!

For a real treat if you can’t afford top Burgundy prices, seek out a Laithwates white by our Adelaide Hills producer…Chain of Ponds. A superb white to go with your fish and white meats.

Next up,  are some reds to warm you up over the Christmas period; Haselgrove Cellar 150 Shiraz 2008, which is on offer in Majestic.

A stellar South Australian!

This wine is a real gem. It comes in at 14.5% alc. I can tell you that this vintage is magical.

If you’re smart you’ll buy a case of six, enjoy 4 over the Christmas, and keep two back for an early summer BBQ. That’s a really smart move as… there won’t be anymore after this, so if you like it…snap it up!

(See photo,  or visit Majestic website)

The other red to get your teeth into is the LFE Seleccion de Familia Carmenere. The sister to the white, also in Asda.

It’s a really broody beast, and is just crying out for meat. Rich roasts are favourite with this. Maybe this will match up with the venison?

Please feel free to come back to me on any of these wines, as I welcome comments.

Most important though…enjoy!

Hope the blog is useful, and have an enjoyable Christmas & New Year! Don’t forget to keep notes on the wines you enjoy at Christmas, they come in useful at a later date.

Life in the Wine Lane!

As usual it’s been a hectic time since returning from holiday at the end of August. Two busy Trade tastings (Chile & Argentina), have kept me occupied, and I’m now starting to look at January 2010 with New Zealand & Australia Trade events. Before that all gets going, I want to tell you about a super tasting I conducted in Burton on Trent on September 11th. It’s the second time I have presented to The Burton on Trent Wine Society, and it’s always good fun.

We tasted a good cross-section of wines, and the stars on the night were: From Washington State; Steak House (Cabernet Sauvignon), in the  Co-op,  and  from Chile, LFE Paradiso Shiraz stocked in Marks & Spencer.

Great tasting, excellent people, who make their own wines, but like to try commercial products. My thanks to the Organiser Terry Marsden, and I hope that I will be able to present to him and his club again next year.

On Saturday 26th  & Sunday 27th September I was up in London for the Tesco Wine Fair, showing some of our fantastic La Gioiosa products.

Met some really interesting people, and had my usual fun showing people the versatility of making Prosecco cocktails. The Prosecco Raboso with chilled vodka went down very well!

Our stand looked great, and we had plenty of complimentary remarks about it.

The wine stars on the stand were: La Gioiosa Prosecco Brut which I featured in my last blog, and the Prosecco Raboso, which is new product in approximately 200 stores. They were so good I had to organise to buy more stock after the show finished, and even the stores I visited were low on stock. The weather was a helpful factor with lovely blue skies and that Indian Summer feeling!

After two days off to recover, I’m going back to the office tomorrow, and the next event looming is the Laithwaites 40th Anniversary bash at the Royal Horticultural Halls on October 16th & 17th.

I’m certainly there on the 16th, but then I’m going away for a well deserved rest for a week or so in Hong Kong. Meeting up with family from Australia, doing a bit of quick shopping, and having a break from wine!

The next big show (which I will miss) is on Thursday-Sunday (22nd – 25th October) in Islington at the Business Design Centre: The Wine Show.

Some of our wines  (Bodegas Muriel) will be on the Wines From Spain stand, and this show grows in stature each year. Muriel Gran Reserva is a big hit, and I think it’s the 2001 vintage showing which is excellent! Great show to go and taste a massive cross-section of wines, and also meet people with same interests. You can also purchase on the day, and if you buy plenty of bottles, you can also get them delivered. This show is growing all the time, and does get busy at the weekend, so, if you want to go and not be in a rugby scrum try Thursday evening, or Sunday morning before the mobs arrive.

My next wine event will be on Saturday 7th November at Vinopolis with The Wine Gang. More on this show as we get a bit closer.

There’s lots of wines coming on offer over the next few months, so, I will endeavour to tell you about them. In the meantime…enjoy in moderation!

Prosecco…The new Champagne?

It’s been very busy in the Walker household recently. My bother and my two nephews from Australia flew in for the first test in Cardiff . We all met up  at a splendid BYO in Cardiff (The Italian Way), where a good friend had given me the inside track. I had been saving various bottles for this event, and we enjoyed some good wines, good food, and great company. My son came down from Preston and we had some laughs! Nice to catch up with my Australian links!

I promised you some new stuff.
First off the rank:
One of the best Prosecco’s you can buy, from our Italian producer…La Gioiosa Prosecco Spumante in Tesco. Please remember that this is not sweet. This is dry, and can be enjoyed by itself, or you can make Belinis, or other cocktails. The internet has loads for you to try, and when I do the Tesco Wine Fair events later this year, I will be bringing yet another dimension to this versatile product. So, if you are not a member of the Tesco Wine Club, go ahead and join, and hopefully, I’ll see you there in London in September! Claudia Serena of La Gioiosa will be with me, and we have been planning some “twists” on the Prosecco theme.
La Gioiosa Prosecco is on offer from £7.99 down to £6.49 in Tesco until early August*. (See photo left). The livery for this wine has been updated, and I know people who purchase this instead of Champagne.

Classification: Quality aromatic sparkling wine VSAQ. Brut.

Production area: Veneto, but 97% is produced in Treviso.

Vinification: Whole grapes are put into the pneumatic press for soft pressing, and the resulting must, after first racking, is put into controlled temperature tanks, where it remains until it’s used to make the sparkling wine.

Secondary fermentation: The must with added yeast cultures selected by La Gioiosa is placed into vessels where fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 15-16C to enhance the harvest fragrances. On reaching the required alcohol and sugar content fermentation is stopped by refrigeration. After a short settling period the spakling wine is ready for bottling.

Colour: Very pale straw yellow, and a fine persistent perlage. Aroma is fruity and flowery with hints of ripe golden apple. The dry fresh and flavoursome sensation on the palate is followed by a fruity and harmonious aftertaste.

Alcohol Data: 11%

Quick Cocktail ideas: Prosecco with Kir…Cassis, topped with Prosecco.

Classico: Martell Cognac, sugar cube, with a dash of angostura bitters…topped up with Prosecco.

*Please be aware that Supermarket promotions do change rapidly, so, check before purchasing. Please note that La Gioiosa products do go on promotion regularly, and La Gioiosa also has two wines in Sainsbury’s

As mentioned above, it’s very versatile, and this has been part of it’s success. So, if you want to save some loot, but have a bit of fun. Try some chilled Prosecco, and get into making some stunning cocktails!

Buy a case for: any celebration, including Christmas. Yes, it will keep fine if left alone lying down.

Number two wine to mention is the M&S Paradiso Carmenere, which is discounted by a third when I was instore recently. This wine I have mentioned in previous blogs, and is an ideal one to stash away for the Autumn. Be prepared! Please note that offers do change, so please check first!

Remember, Carmenere is always alcoholic, so go steady but enjoy! I buy this and put it away for October/November, and start to drink it when the nights have a bit of a nip in them.

I remember drinking some a few years ago, when I was staying at a farm B&B, and the power had gone off, the farmer had a rip roaring fire going, and in the candlelight…the ghost stories started!

The Carmenere was a reassuring friend to have!

An update from my previous blog: The Haselgrove  Cellar 150 Shiraz in Majestic has been going great guns. Lots of people picking up this great bargain. Hopefully, Majestic is taking another shipment soon!

As I get updates, I’ll inform.

Keep trying new wines, you’ll enjoy the experience and please feed back your comments to me!

Regards

Peter

One for the BBQ!

 Dear All

It’s been quite a while since I managed to do my blog, but, I have some  good news and a splendid recommendation!

I have been busy working on various fronts, mainly  the prep and decoration of our bathroom, which is the main reason for no blog.

Most people are starting to get into summer mode, and the last major trade tasting before summer is just under two weeks away; the 11th Definitive Italian Trade Tasting at Lord’s. It should be a very good show, and I will be in cricket mood because the day before I’m in Cardiff for the 1st Test against the Aussies!

 

So, what’s on the agenda for this blog. As promised, a wine for the BBQ. I make no apologies for this wine, and it’s also from the same stable as an earlier Wine of the Month:

Haselgrove Cellar 150 Shiraz 2007. From Mc Laren Vale. 

This producer really pulls out the stops when making their wines, and this one  is made from shiraz  from three small Mc Laren Vale vineyards.

The 150 Shiraz is normally sold directly from the winery, but, our company (D&D Wines) managed to get this into Majestic. 

I checked the website and it’s down as as Best Seller, so, I suggest you take a look and get your order in!

The beauty of it is that yes you can enjoy it now with your BBQ foods, but, equally, I’ve stashed some away for winter drinking. The longevity is also built in for up to 4-5 years cellaring (if you want to).

See photo below

An Aussie bruiser!

 

 

Normally priced at £7.99, it’s on offer at just under £30 a case in Majestic. A bargain. Offer runs for a few more weeks yet, or until stock runs out!

Check out their website for details.

Just remember  it’s 14.5% alc, so be prepared for a lie down!

The grapes as I say were sourced from Mc Laren Vale with some coming from the Riverland.

Generous raspberry and strawberry uplifted vanilla with a hint of spice. Rich, round and full flavoured. Just what you expect from a big Aussie!

So, what else looms on the horizon!

At present we have the fantastic La Gioiosa Pinot Grigio 2008 in Sainsbury’s going great guns along with the 2008 La Gioiosa Merlot.

The PG is all about glugging, and the Merlot is really good for those mid week pizza/pasta dishes that you just fancy a samll  glass with. They are both in at £3.99 each, and sales even before they went on offer were encouraging! For alfresco eating the PG is excellent and you can also make a nice spritzer with it too.

I normally just have a few bottles around if friends drop by, and just want a light drink!

A lot of work behind the scenes has gone into the making of these wines, and our own Senior Winemaker has been working closely with La Gioiosa’s head winemaker.

There are some more products that are due to go into stores soon, and some that are in will be making a guest appearance on the blog at some point!

So check things out in a few weeks time as I’ll be singing another wines’ praises.

That’s all folks for now. Enjoy your summer BBQ’s and happy wine hunting!

 

Peter

Upbeat for April!

Dear All!

Apologies for not updating my blog, but, I have been busy with work Trade Tastings.
I have to be very focussed at these events and feed back to the team Business Manager/potential customer reactions to our products.
So, there’s a slight break before the build up to the London Wine Trade Fair in May.
I’m just interested in the last few days of my blog, where there has been a real blitz on my last entry about Chilean Carmenere, and our product selling in M&S wines under the Paradiso label.

I know that it has been chosen as part of a special Meal Deal by them, so that may account for the number of hits to my blog!

My Wine of the Month for April is another Chilean wine. I make no apologies for this becasue the wine was fantastic last September at the Chilean Trade Tasting I attended. The trade tasting was run by the superb  Wines of Chile UK office.

So, my Wine of the Month is the Leyda Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008. 

It’s produced by our old friends Luis Felipe Edwards, but this time the fruit is produced in the Leyda Valley. This is an area that other producers have turned their attention to, and are starting to produce some exciting wines. The wine is sold in the Co-op. Whenever, I mention about Co-op wines people are surprised, but, to be fair, the Co-op have been selling some really excellent wines for a very long time!

If you have a Co-operative store close by, have a look at their range and pricing. They also do a lot of Fair Trade wines.

 

Please see photo of the wine below. A very clean example, but must not be compared to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Enjoy this as an aperitif, or with light dishes. Goes well with goat’s cheese.

 

As mentioned the wine is produced by one of our suppliers (Luis Felipe Edwards), and I’m sure he will be very interested when he come through to London in April, where I am scheduled to be working with him at the Laithwaites/Sunday Times Wine Fair.

It’s a great event (Friday 25 & Sat 26th April). If you are attending, please make yourself known to me, and we can have a chat! I will probably place a piece of feedback on my blog later in April regarding the show.

It’s a very well organised event, and I enjoy it, even though the later sessions can get quite loud!
We will be showing three wines only. Three reds to be precise. Two Cabernet Sauvignons, and a Merlot under the Don Cayetano labels. This is decided by Laithwaites, so I hope that attendees will be happy.
Luis Felipe as I mentioned in my last blog is a massive Rowan Atkinson fan , so we will be catching up  on lots of things when we meet.

Luis Felipe  travels all over the world promoting his wines, and is a massive exporter from Chile.

Whilst working at the Trade events (Spain & Champagne), I was really taken with our Rioja producer’s (Bodegas Muriel) wines. The 2004 Reserva is tasting very well, and Decanter Magazine recently gave it 3 stars. Bodegas Muriel wines are sold in Sainsbury’s and are also sold in Laithwaites under the Baron de Bourbon label. Bodegas Muriel are a family concern, and also work closely with a company called Araex, who produce some stunning wines from around Spain.

The 2004 Reserva vintage will be a litte while coming through, so keep your eye open for it. Larger  Co-op stores sell it, and it will probably go on offer at some point.

The Gran Reserva 2001 vintage is also a good one to look out for, mainly for stashing away for Autumn. You will find this in Sainsbury’s. 

The Sainsbury’s link is about a previous vintage, as there are no reviews yet. Use the link as a basis only.

Looking forward, I will comment on the Laithwaite/Sunday Times event. Maybe get some photos, and general feedback. Also looking forward, I have  real treat coming along in May.

Can’t say very much about it at present, but, when I have some more details…I will place it into my blog. 

Keep checking out the wines I mention, and here’s to next month!

Regards

 

Peter

Petit Verdot, Prosecco, and Carmenère- away from the normal!

 This blog is a bit different from my normal approach!

Due to there being so many wines to choose from, you sometimes have to just move away from the normal.

As I work in the industry, I’m constantly exposed to tasting lots of different wines from many producers and countries. At Trade tastings there are many new vintages coming in, so you have to be selective with what you are going to taste. I normally sit down with the catalogue, and choose specifics and stick to them, or you get blown off course!

Some wines are probably never going to make it to a retailer shelf, but, the one’s that do can be just great revelations.

In this blog, I want to pick out just a few wines that show a difference, and break away from the normal!

Here goes!

 In larger Waitrosestore  wine departments you will find an Australian wine made by an established South Australian producer, called Angove’s Stonegate  Limited Release Petit Verdot.

I have mentioned Angove’s before in my blog, and it’s important to be aware that this producer in the Riverland area, has been producing quality wines for many years, and is also producing wines from little known grape varieties. For example, White Grenache  which is rare as hen’s teeth in Australia;  Tempranillo and as stated Petit Verdot

You may not have even heard of, but when paired with foods such as venison sausages, or other gamey dishes, this is a blockbuster of a wine.

It’s quite a bruiser, weighing in at  around 14.0% alcohol, but, in these days of snow and cold weather, you need something to help against the chill of winter!

At £5.99, it’s a steal, and the 2008 vintage has just arrived into larger Waitrose stores. Take a look at it if you can. I have also just checked the Waitrose Wine Online website, and some older vintages are available 2006/2007.

On- line price is £5.69, and a case of 12 is £68.28 inc 5% discount. My suggestion would be to buy one first from store, and then purchase online if you want some more. The wine will also “stack up” nicely when you have your summer BBQ. Keep it stored away somewhere cool dark, and away from vibrations. Just let it brood in the corner.

I’ve picked it because Petit Verdot is not the most popular of grape varieties. 

In the past, I have used this wine (earlier vintages) as a blind wine on taste, to see what reaction people have to it. It’s always proved to be a talking point!

After all, bringing new Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz to people’s attention is fine, but sometimes you just want to get your teeth into something different, and as I said at the outset, break away from the normal.

My second offering is a product that’s very versatile, and can be used for making a number of drinks. Over the last three years I have been involved in Tesco Wine Club events, and to ensure that attendees got the most out of the day, I took this wine to a new dimension. It’s a Prosecco Spumante  from Italy, produced by La Gioiosa in the Veneto area. This sparkler always delivers a great dry  and slightly appley taste.

It can be used for making a classic Bellini, or, a fantastic cocktail. If you are looking for different on the run up to Valentine’s Day, then this is fitting the bill nicely.

It’s versatility is shown when making new long cocktails with spirits. Just put  Prosecco Cocktails into Google, and see what comes up!

 

My Wine of the Month for February /March is a new wine that has just arrived into Marks and Spencer. It’s made by one of the finest operations in Colchagua Valley in Chile.

It’s called Paradiso Carmenère 2008, and is produced by Louis Felipe Edwards.  (see photo)

It’s part of a Paradiso trilogy of  wines that Marks & Spencers has. 

The other two are  a really zesty Sauvignon Blanc and a top class Shiraz. 

Both have recently been linked into the retailers’ Meal Deal promotion. I also mentioned the Carmenère in a previous blog entry. This wine has an alcohol volume of 13.5%.

A rich red for your Sunday roasts!

The tasting note goes like this: ” A smooth, rich and slightly spicy Chilean red with a soft supporting structure. It has tempting flavours of plum and mocha with a hint of herbal flavours“

Serving:  Serve at room temperature. It is fruity enough to enjoy on it’s own, but has the depth and structure to accompany roast beef, and rich casseroles. It can even partner a lamb curry!

No oak involved, to allow the purity of fruit to show through.

Again ,Carmenère  is not a normal grape variety. Until recently the Chileans cropped it as Merlot, but Vina Errazuriz did some tests some years ago, and found that it was mixed up with their Merlot.

Overnight, Chile bagged itself a new grape variety that is just fantastic. It’s always rich and powerful, and always very alcoholic!  

Must be enjoyed with some really rich dishes, and I have found it to be a perfect partner to enjoy on a Sunday evening with a hunk of bread and some cheese instead of a glass of Port.

I used to really get in the mood  in the autumn and winter  and enjoy it with a roaring log fire blazing away, and some soft music playing…Steve Hackett,  but that’s a long time ago!

 

Enjoy!

Wine of the Month: Tesco Finest Shiraz 2008

It’s been a while since I wrote a blog, and this is due to a number of things… Christmas, and also having a bit of a rest from drinking wine etc. I have also been busy working on a budget for 2009.

I’m sure that you too have been looking at the money situation!

I’m recommending this as my Wine of the Month, even though it’s been on promotion for a few weeks, and is ending in Tesco around the 3^rd of Feb, there’s still enough time to pick up the 2007, or if you are really lucky, find the 2008.

 Tesco Finest San Juan Shiraz 2007  or 2008.

I tasted the 2008 last October at the Trade tasting, and Bodegas Callia, who make it, have again pulled the rabbit out of the hat!

 

Even if you don’t drink it now, buy some for our summer heatwave and enjoy with your BBQ. Yes folks, it’s good enough to go with the bangers and the burgers, and if you can stretch to steaks, then so much the better!

 

Late last week I was at the Oregon & Washington State Trade tasting with our Wine Product Manager, Tara. It was a brisk tasting with quite a few attendees.

 

We were showing new vintages of our wines, and the Washington Hills Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc came through very well.

£7.99 in the Co-op. We also had the Steak House red from the Magnificent Wine Company, which was a treat. Again, in large Co-op’s at around £9.99.

 

This week, sees the end (for the moment) of Wine  Trade tastings. There is a gap during February of the main events, befire crashing on with Champagne and Spain.

 

I have been busy working on our selections for the above tastings, and this week sees the culmination of work I have been involved with since last November… Australia Day tastings!

This year, they are being held at the Emirates Stadium, and on Wednesday 28^th in the evening, it’s 2 hours of public access before the trade event on Thursday.

 

Our company has got some scortchers from South Australia…

Haselgrove, Chain of Ponds and Bethany.

 

You may recall that Haselgrove  Cabernet Sauvignon was my Wine of the Month last month, well, at the tasting we will be showing the new vintage.

Wine Rack/Threshers

 

There will also be Chain of Ponds’ Sangiovese/Grenache Rose. Great for alfresco dining.  This wine is in Wine Rack/Threshers

 

To round things of, there will be the Bethany Grenache, and also Cabernet Merlot. Bethany make superb wines, and should have better distribution. You will find their wines in the Co-op and Morrisons.

So, Thursday promises to be a cracker, and I will also take the opportunity to taste rival products.

That’s one of the things about Trade tastings. They are getting to know other people’s products, as well as evaluating your own.

No Consumer events coming up until April, when it will be the Sunday Times/Laithwaites Vintage Festival.

I will be there on the Saturday with Louis Felipe Edwards (our Chilean producer), showing some of his Don Cayetano range of wines.

It’s a very well organised event, and I’m looking forward to meeting him again. He normally comes to the UK a few times each year, but this will be his first time at the event for two years.

He’s great fun to be with, and he’s also a massive Rowan Atkinson fan!

His wines are excellent, and he has one of the highest vineyards in Chile. He also has interests in Leyda Valley, but his main project at present is Hilltop (high altitude) vineyard.

I have already tasted wines from this work, and they are stunning!

Coming up… M&S sell LFE wines under the Los Nucos label (Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay). Keep your eye open for a new wine called Paradiso Carmenere.

It’s LFE’s Carmenere. A grape variety that really punches above it’s weight, and certainly one to watch out for.  It’s also known as the lost grape of Bordeaux. The Chileans got it mixed up with Merlot some time ago, and only recently found out that it was not! I don’t have a price, but suspect it will come in at £6.99.

So,  a few things to think about. 

Keep searching for those gems!

Christmas wine selections for 2008

Always looking for really good wines for the Festive season.

I normally start planning back in September, purchase in October… and top up with a few in November!

Keep an eye out for good bargains.

See below for some early ideas. I will add to my blog if I find anything that may be useful.

Saturday/Sunday

Had a great weekend, and not too much wine, apart from…

a few glasses of Tesco Premier Cru last night at a charity bash in South Croydon with family members.

Today has been lunch with family, and a very easy drinking M&S Bourgogne purchased last week in their 20% off wines. I expect there will be a further discount day as we get nearer to Christmas.

Below I have listed some wines that may/may not be on offer, but will be good for Christmas festivities. Prices shown are correct at time of production.

My selection this year:

Champagne:

GH Martel Champagne. Currently on offer in Sainsbury’ s down from £25 to £18.

Great value. Good consistent producer. Nothing to do with brandy!

Whites:

For easy drinking, and helpful on the alcohol front is:

La Gioiosa Lower Alcohol Pinot Grigio from Veneto.

Sells in Tesco for £5.49

For enjoying with Salmon, or as an aperitif, it’s got to be Sacred Hill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007. Sells in Tesco and Morrisons for £8.15. It’s just the business!

I really enjoyed the Viognier from Laithwaites I mentioned in my Burton blog. I will ensure I have a few bottles knocking around. See blog for details

Reds:

For enjoying something that is a Southern Hemisphere Claret,

try Winemaker’s Selection from Bodegas Salentein.

A very good producer in Argentina.

Sells in Tesco for £6.49, and is easily an £8.99 product.

Vintage 2004. You may also find the 2006 vintage with a different label.

Not a problem, just buy and put away for a few years.

Yes, this wine has longevity built-in!

Super to drink with rich foods, and also by itself. You can even decant this 14.5% red.

Great present for a person trying to find that certain something for a wine lover!

If you are not having the usual meats for Christmas, see below for a few ideas…

Roast Pork:  Bethany Grenache from one of the Barossa’s best producers.

Their website is well worth checking out. Large Morrison stores should have this beauty.

I think it’s around the £8.99 mark.

Venison: LFE Carmenere. Allow to breathe/decant. Super strength red that will reward as partnering the food, but also as a post prandial drink. Plenty to sniff and enjoy.

Tasting Report: Burton on Trent Wine Society

Date: Friday 14th November Place: Stretton, near Burton-on-Trent Attendees: Approx 80+ Number of Wines: 8 Theme: Looking beyond the obvious!

I had selected wines from an not very well-known Australian producer, whose wines are available in various UK outlets. The Angove family from Renmark in South Australia. An old established family originating from St Austell in Cornwall.

Two wines out of the eight were tasted blind to add a bit of zest into the proceedings!

After the tasting, I ran a Fun Quiz based on the presentation, and there were prizes for first, second and third.

Wines on Taste:

1 Pump Shed Semillon Chardonnay 2006 from Morrisons at £4.99

An aperitif wine, very light in colour and texture.

2 Angove’s White Grenache 2007 from Laithwaites at £6.79

A rare wine on tasting, that is excellent as a different aperitif, but partners Thai Green curry, chicken dishes.

3 Angove’s Viognier 2007 from Laithwaites at £7.49

A favourite variety, and one that has become popular. This was tasted blind, with a member picking it out early as a Viognier! Showed very well, and partners Crab, shellfish, and goes particularly well with Roast Pork and Apple sauce.

4 Tesco Reserve Riesling Gewurztraminer 2007 from Tesco at £4.65

Explained that Australian Riesling is not like German, and also what characteristics they take on eventually.

This one is very approachable and versatile for those Asian dishes we all enjoy. Perfect for summer evening entertaining.

5 Nine Vines Tempranillo Shiraz 2007 from Tesco at £6.19

An Australian Rioja with an Aussie twist! Enjoyed by many on the night. Very smoothly put together.

Bring on the roast lamb!

6 Paddle Wheel Petit Verdot Shiraz 2006 from Laithwaites at £6.99

Tasted blind as I wanted to get tasters to really think about the grape varieties involved.

Dark and brooding yet extremely fruity. Kept in American oak for 12 months gives it a creamy feel.

Enjoy with sausages, rich pasta or beef.

7 LFE Shiraz 2005 from Tesco at £6.19

Odd one out! Decided to show a Shiraz that was not Australian so they could see and taste the difference. Deep ruby colour, peppery and cherry on the nose with lush fruit. Long concentrated finish. Drink now or keep for another few years.

Luis Felipe Edwards (LFE) from Colchagua Valley in Chile. Well integrated fruit and oak from one of the most consistent Chilean producers. Great wine to have with a steak. Only seems available in store.

8 Stamford Brook Shiraz Viognier 2004 from Sainsburys at £5.99

Deep red with inky hues. Aroma is spicy black pepper with apricot. Taste is soft and warm, and finishes with rich fruit flavours. Kept in American oak for 8- 12 months. Not over oaked, and ideal with rich roasts or steaks. Great BBQ wine for 2009!

Enjoyable event. Attentive audience, who were attracted by the idea of exploring some different avenues that were not safe and comfortable! Asked to return next year for another production.

Note: All prices correct at time of production

Tasting Update: Monday 17th November 2008

Burton tasting Organiser (Terry Marsden) has emailed me regarding the tasting feedback.

Quote:

” I have had more members come up to me both on Friday and again on Saturday and express how much they enjoyed the evening, and praise for the presentation, your knowledge and enthusiasm.

They also said how much they enjoyed tasting the less well known grape varieties” Unquote

Wine of the Month: November 2008: Vincent’s Breeze Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

 

haselgrove vincents breeze

This is a new wine into the Thresher range from Haselgrove. The grapes are sourced from their low yielding Mc Laren Vale vineyard. Oaked for just over 12 months in French and American barriques.

 

The result is a rich smooth, blackcurrant extravaganza, with soft tannins, and a super length. Alc. Vol. 14%.

Food match: Rich roasts, or Game. Enjoy now, or keep for a few years.

Great value on Threshers 3 for 2 offer! Usually around £7.49 a bottle.