Simonnet-Febvre Irancy 2013, Burgundy, France (£14 Marks and Spencer) Hmm, almonds & strawberry jam, red wine isn’t supposed to smell like Battenberg. Possibly an oxidised bottle? Certainly not good on this showing. 0 La Tour de Brully Mercurey ‘Champ-Pillot’ 2013, Burgundy, France (£14.95 From Vineyards Direct) Much more like it, […]
France
Domaine de l’Ermitage Menetou-Salon Blanc 2014, Loire, France (£12.95 From Vineyards Direct) Really grown-up style of Sauvignon, fruity with lemon, apple and greengage to the fore, but also herby/earthy restraint, and keen sappy bite to the finish. S- Aotea Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Nelson, New Zealand (£15 Flagship Wines, Aged in […]
Sauvignon Blanc: the Loire & Nelson
Vignobles Jeanjean Mas Neuf Pays d’Oc Muscat Sec 2014, Languedoc, France (£9.99 Majestic) Sprightly young style, with grapey intensity but also notes of apple, citrus and Gewürz-like lychee and spice. Very tasty. B+ Domaine d’Aupilhac Coteaux du Languedoc Blanc ‘Les Cocalières’ 2014, France (£14.95 The Wine Society) Rich, heady, exotic […]
Two white wines from southern France
Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 2014, Burgundy, France (£14.99 Campbell Moore, Hailsham Cellars, directwines.co.uk, Bablake Wines, The Mount Bay Wine Co, Bon Coeur, Edward Beer & Wine, Bakers and Larners of Holt, Hennings Fine Wines) Has the classic Chablis combo of richness and leanness, with the bracing citrus and apple (fresh and cooked) […]
Two White Burgundies
Domaine de Rosette Chinon 2014, Loire, France (£9.49 Marks & Spencer) Young, refreshing, almost crunchy style, with a slightly leafy edge to the earthy raspberry and cherry flavours, and a hint of tar on the finish. S- Domaine du Colombier Chinon 2012, Loire, France (£7 Sainsbury’s) Showing its maturity both […]
Two supermarket Chinons
A fascinating contrast between this pair – both are very tasty. Clos du Gaimont Vouvray Sec 2014, Loire, France (£10.99 Virgin Wines) Starts off all elbows, with taut, slightly bruised green apple and pear flavours tinged with notes of herbs and pebbles, and with its zingy acidity front and centre. […]