Esprit de Labastide Gaillac Perlé 2012 (£5.95 The Wine Society) Crisp young style, with an Alka Seltzer-like saltiness to its ripe apple, pear and lemon flavours and a prickle of CO2 to add freshness. OK, but just a little hollow. C+ Producteurs Plaimont Rive Haute Colombard Sauvignon Côtes de Gascogne […]
France
Domaine Castan Carignan Pays d’Hérault 2012, Languedoc, France (~£10.50 Smithfield Wine) Soft, sweet, clean and fresh, a touch of jammy dodger to the red cherry and raspberry flavours, hints of herbs and a chewy finish. Also a slightly peppery edge that speaks of reduction. B Domaine Castan Grenache Pays d’Hérault […]
Wine Tasting Video: Spicy Reds from the Languedoc, New Zealand ...
You know those Tom & Jerry cartoons when Tom has an angel on one shoulder whispering something in one ear and a demon on the other telling him the opposite? That’s how I used to feel about wine and Christmas. Yes, I know it’s the season of peace on earth […]
Three wines for Christmas
Luis Pato Maria Gomes Sparkling Metodo Antigo, Beiras, Portugal (£12.99 Corks of Cotham, Highbury Vintners, Wright Wine Company, Raymond Reynolds) Interesting style, not hugely fruity, although there is a touch of grated apple, but there are attractive characters such as ginger and rose petal, with floral and creamy notes in […]
Wine Tasting Video: Sparkling wines from England, Portugal & Champagne
Cour-Cheverny Le Petit Chambord 2010, Loire, France (£8.95 The Wine Society) Has the lightly nutty ripe apple note of Chenin Blanc, but there’s also a more herby character – fennel – along with something that reminds me (in a good way) of singed hair. Manages to be rich and almost […]
Wine Tasting Video: Sauvignon Blanc from France, New Zealand & ...
Château de Fonbel St Emilion Grand Cru 2010 (£18.30 Lay & Wheeler) Youthful, plummy style, just on the right side of overripeness, with some crunchy blackcurrant flavours alongside the more voluptuous blackberry flesh, and notes of brine and graphite in there too. Overall a plush, polished style, very tasty. S […]