RAISE A GLASS

Like you I’m in Lockdown, but luckily I’m still able to explore the world of wine and bring a few ideas into your world as we edge towards spring.

I joined a Zoom call with winery owner and “sustainable” wines advocate Stefano Girelli. His Sicilybased brand Purato has a green philosophy across grape growing, wine making and packaging.

He says: “Organic wine isn’t just about not using pesticides, it’s about being environmentally friendly to take care of our own land. To ultimately leave a better planet.”

It’s about time I shared some of Stefano’s wines with you!

(These wines are all £7.99, down from £9.99 at Ocado before March 16).

Purato Catarratto Pinot Grigio Terre Siciliane 2019 IGP: Pinot grigio makes up 40% of the blend of this wine, the rest being the Sicilian variety catarratto. Stefano explains: “We have the nutty taste of catarratto and the floral note of pinot grigio; and on the palate, the softness of catarratto; and acidity and minerality of pinot grigio.”

I awarded this a very big tick! Purato Rosé Terre Siciliane 2019 IGP: Is 100% Nero d’avola, a grape variety native to Sicily.

Says Stefano: “It’s very pleasant, with extra body and softness from the Nero d’avola. There’s floral notes and on the palate it has a good acidity and minerality.”

Oh my, it is very, very drinkable.

Purato Nero d’avola Sicilia DOC: Stefano’s aim, he says, is to create a red wine which pairs easily with different Italian foods. It’s perfect with a pizza, with salami, pasta, or a chicken.

The wine hasn’t had oak contact, it’s not overly complex, but is so versatile, he says.

I enjoyed the wine’s ripe, dark fruits and soft gentle tannins with an easy peasy cottage pie supper. Very nice.

ALSO IN MY GLASS…

I first sipped Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc Fairtrade (£10, Co-op) last autumn on a virtual tasting with Co-op’s buying team. It was a 2019 vintage from South Africa and is sassy, elegant, green-fruited and subtly tropical.

Now the 2020 vintage is in shops just in time for Fairtrade Fortnight and the winery’s Managing Director Wayne Coetzer says: “We have worked with Co-op to actively promote the Fairtrade initiative, and show how you can change lives through shopping.”

Fairtrade Fortnight runs until March 7 Find out more at fairtrade.org.uk

Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.