Wine with Andy Cronshaw
WITH many wine drinkers looking to buy in bulk ahead of Christmas, I’ve another focus on an online merchant this week.
As well as a fine selection with free delivery for 24+ wines, Laithwaites offer wine plans with regular cases or an annual payment of £24 for free delivery.
I was introduced by Zoom this week to members of Laithwaites’ talented team of wine buyers who gave us an insight into the history and people behind some of their most popular wines.
One of the key elements of the Laithwaites offer is value and there’s a wide range at very affordable prices.
Here’s a few examples of some highquality wines generally priced around a tenner in a mixed 12.
EYLO VERDEJO RUEDA, SPAIN DO 2020 (Right, £8.99 in mixed 12)
A superb example of one of my favourite varieties. As Outkast sang, this is just so fresh, so clean. From Serrada at the heart of Rueda, the grapes here are grown at higher altitudes. The palate still manages to carry some creaminess but really it’s all about lemon zip and intensity.
VISIONARIO FRIULI BIANCO TREVENEZIE 2020 (£9.99 in mixed 12)
Italian white wines have a special place on my dinner table given the recipes we regularly cook. This ticks all the right boxes for winter and is superb value.
It’s an inspired blend of Friulano with Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Malvasia and a splash of oaked Chardonnay that adds the final buttery twist to this concoction.
It’s rich and rounded with a vibrant, aromatic nose and textured fruit, always held in check by acidity.
ULTIMA EDIZIONE ABRUZZO/PUGLIA 2020 (£9.99 in mixed 12) Another extensive blend of wines, this time from luscious Italian red varieties: Montepulciano, Primitivo, Sangiovese and Negroamaro.
This is most definitely not an appellation-defined wine but one that defies the rules to create a very fleshy wine, laden with brooding dark fruit. A great match for a Sunday roast or a
Bolognese sauce.
PIERRE BRECHT CUVéE CINQ 2020 (£9.39) Another white that hits the spot for winter and serves as a nice introduction to the charms of Alsace; blending Riesling, Muscat and Gewurztraminer some which is late harvest. The result is simply outstanding for the money.
REDHEADS HARMONIE ROX CHARDONNAY 2021 (Left top, mixed 12)
An anomalously fresh-faced Chardonnay from an innovative team in Barossa, more renowned for its chunky reds. This wine is made from the Mendoza clone of the grape known for its natural acidity. It produces a very aromatic style and carries some tropical weight but balances
it very nicely against the lemon acidity.
£11.69 in
MAISON DOMINQUE PIRON BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2020 (£9.99 in mixed 12)
A real standout for me. Although Beaujolais can be seen as a refreshing wine for warmer months, great examples such as this are brilliant matches for both turkey and the next day’s cold cuts at Christmas. This is bursting with strawberry fruit but it’s very well balanced with a little tannin adding dryness and grip. Superb.
CASTILLO DE EPIPFANIA RIOJA ALTA 2020 (Left bottom, £9.99 in mixed 12)
An incredible bargain from Juan Antonio Leza’s family and grown at high altitude vineyards. This shows Tempranillo with all the sweet spice and depth you might expect from a top-notch Burgundy.
VERTIGES VALLéE DU PARADIS 2020 (£9.99 in mixed 12)
A lovely unoaked blend of Carginan, Syrah and Grenache which features a peppery nose and vibrant fruit with a feeling of purity about it. Versatile enough to match a midweek dinner, cold cuts or roasted veggies.