Grapes

Most Grenache/Garnacha is red, but it also comes in pink-skinned (Grenache Gris in France, Garnacha Roja or Garnacha Dorada in Spain) and white (Blanc/Blanca) guises. Viñas del Vero Garnacha Blanca La Miranda de Secastilla 2012, Somontano, Spain (£8.95 Saddleworth Wine Vault, Gonzalez Byass UK) Rich, fleshy and quite voluptuous, with […]

Viñas del Vero Garnacha Blanca La Miranda de Secastilla 2012, ...

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Made for Tesco by Baron de Ley, this 100% Tempranillo Rioja is pretty decent grog Viña Mara Rioja Reserva 2008, Spain (£9.49 Tesco) Calm, mellow and relaxed Rioja, with classic velvety vanilla sheen and coconutty allure adding extra layers to the gentle red berry and orange peel flavours. Mature, but still […]

Viña Mara Rioja Reserva 2008, Spain

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A bit less blatant than many a Torrontés, and all the better for it Dante Robino Torrontés 2012, Mendoza, Argentina (£7.95 Saddleworth Wine Vault) Quite a dainty and fresh style, with ginger-tinged apricot and peach flavours, a light floral character and zesty citrus acidity to keep it all perky. B(+)

Dante Robino Torrontés 2012, Mendoza, Argentina

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Think I’ve had better vintages of this… Marques de Borba Alentejo Tinto 2012, Portugal (£8.99 Classic Drinks, Tanners, Adnams, MacBrayne Wines, Halifax Wines, Bowland Forest Vintners, Borough Wines) I like the generous plummy berry fruit and the nuances of vanilla and tobacco, but the hard finish puts me off – might […]

Marques de Borba Alentejo Tinto 2012, Portugal

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Nearly a very good wine but… Château Lacombe Noaillac Médoc 2009, Bordeaux, France (contact Le Verre Gourmand, Supertravel Ski) Young, vigorous style, plenty of gutsy dark fruit, and quite a strong roasted character, but with that savoury note of brett found in so much Bordeaux drying out the finish. With […]

Château Lacombe Noaillac Médoc 2009, Bordeaux, France

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