Wine 3 Best wines from the High Street
2020 Morrisons Best Malbec £6.75 instead of £7.75 until May 4 – at Morrisons
Today, World Malbec Day, is exactly the time to sample this high-quality product of Argentina’s blisteringly hot 2020 summer and its subsequent harvest. Dark and youthful, the wine delivers rich raspberry and plum flavours attractively partnered by good acidity, hints of graphite and clove but only limited tannin.
2020 Dog on the Tuckerbox Pinot Grigio £5 instead of £7 until
May 10 – at M&S
STAR BUY
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2020 Paul Mas Picpoul de Pinet £6.50 instead of £7.50 until April 27 – at the Co-op
Rather like the malbec mentioned in the previous item, the most recent harvest of picpoul grapes in Languedoc also benefited from ideal weather conditions. The result is a second successive vintage with terrific examples of that delightfully distinctive white wine. With nippy pink grapefruit acidity yet contrasting softness and even gentle sweetness, this version brings us ripe greengage, cooked apple and tangerine flavours wrapped in an appealing herbal roundedness.
Building on the grape’s European successes, Australian wineries have upped their pinot grigio production, although their versions are often richer. Textured but floral, this great-value illustration of that richness centres on juicy orchard fruit and melon flavours with evolving lemon acidity, green herb influences and touches of ginger.
ON-WINE SHOPPING 2019 Smart Dog Syrah £9.85 at www. houseoftownend.com
With so many top-class local grapes, Portugal uses international varieties sparingly. Tempranillo (called tinta roriz there) is an exception but, otherwise, those familiar varieties often become, at best, simply minor blending partners. Here, though, a syrah from Alentejo is allowed out on its own. Ripe and floral, it contains cherry, plum and loganberry flavours supplemented by firm tannin and good acidity with suggestions of menthol, chocolate and baking spice.
Brian Elliott is a wine writer, judge and founder of www.midweekwines.co.uk. Promotions can change at short notice so shoppers should enquire if prices differ.