Wine Tasting Video: Assorted reds from Italy, Spain, France & Portugal


The first in a series of three videos on red wines that – according to a range of wine merchants in the Yorkshire Dales – might not be averse to a spell in the fridge, and which could be served in Spring with lamb. The second and third videos are  here and here.

Ponte del Diavolo Refosco 2011, Friuli, Italy (£9.50 Ake & Humphris)
Light, smoky bramble, red berry (cooked and fresh) and cherry, with some savoury, spicy notes and a refreshing finish. Fuller than the 12.5% would suggest. S-

Aga Navarra Tinto Roble 2011, Spain (£7.15 Yorkshire Vintners)
Has the lush mellow strawberry and gentle smoky vanilla of aged Rioja, backed up by a little tannin, with some notes of mulberry and fennel to add further interest. B+

Château Grande Cassagne La Civette Costières de Nimes 2009, Languedoc, France (£8.50 Terroir Languedoc)
Needs a little coaxing to come out of its shell, but soon the gentle berry flavours emerge, pepped up by some wilder earthy herby notes. Juicy and supple, effortlessly drinkable. S(-)

Foncalieu Mazets de Saint Victor Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun 2011, France (£9.00 Yorkshire Vintners)
Spicy youngster with dark berry plum and damson flavours, some fragrant citrus peel and herb aromas, and a slightly leathery note on the finish. Good fresh glugger. B+

Aliança Vista TR 2008, Beiras, Portugal (£6.95 Corks & Cases)
Has a slightly green/ herbal edge, some of it from oak, some of it from fruit, but it’s backed up by some sweet strawberry flesh and something of the gingerbread and orange peel character of Touriga Nacional (15% of the blend, rest is Tinta Roriz), still young and juicy, with the flavours nicely in balance with the tangy acidity and earthy tannin. B(+)


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