JANE CLARE
WITH
Noir Saint Hilaire Vineyard (RRP £8.25, Morrisons). The grapes are grown in the south of France in the Saint Hilaire vineyard. It lies near Limoux with the foothills of the Pyrenées mountains in the distance.
The wine was ripe with raspberries, cherries and cranberries, with oh-soft tannins. I loved the wine. It really felt like a luxury with my make-do supper.
A couple of nights later I opened La Belle Angèle Pinot Noir 2019 (£10.99 or £8.99 in
a buy six deal at Majestic). I was only planning to have a sip, but quickly fell under its spell. The wine has an easy-drinking charm which doesn’t test your palate, but delights it. There are light tannins and juicy cherries and raspberries, tickled with a hint of spice.
I was pleased to mix my week up a bit, literally, after the arrival of a bottle of Pampelle (RRP £20, which is new into Waitrose and also available widely online).
Pampelle is created from ruby red grapefruit from Corsica, which is distilled and infused with citrus peel and botanicals.
There’s no mistaking its grapefruit vibes, the aromas are bright, citrusy and full. I was happy to chunk a cube of ice into a glass and enjoy
the tartness of the fruit. Another day I poured equal parts of Pampelle and prosecco and topped up with tonic water. A gee whizz fizz.
I’ll stick with grapefruit briefly, and move on to 58 Gin Hard Seltzer which comes in pink grapefruit and raspberry flavours (£29.95 for 12 x 250ml, at Amazon, or £2.50 per 250ml can at Master Of
Malt and 58Gin.com).
A hard seltzer is a new trend. It’s alcoholinfused sparkling water. They’re light, and yes, there’s a fruit influence and yes there’s a dash of alcohol. On a hot day they make a refreshing change.
Finally, a gin and tonic in a can with a difference. A new cocktail range is being launched by the company Doña Sofía and the G&T is the first release – next up are a rum and cola and a vodka and lime.
But the twist is the addition of CBD – which is cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in cannabis plants. Don’t be shocked! It’s perfectly legal in the UK as an additive within limited amounts. CBD is thought to have many benefits such as easing joint pain and anxiety. The Doña Sofía Gin & Tonic is £12 for six cans from dona-sofia.com.
■ JANE is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media as One Foot in the Grapes.