CHRISTMAS WINE PULLOUT
2019 Porta 6, Lisbon, Portugal
£8, Co-op; £7.50, Tesco THIS is a star performer, not only because the value is superb, but also because it is such a fine interpretation of the modern Portuguese red wine scene in just one wine. Bright, plummy, easy and smooth, this is one for those who don’t fancy anything too heavy or rich. You don’t even need to match it to food to enjoy its seamless charms. Enjoy at any time.
2018 Taste the Difference Marzemino, Trentino, Italy
£8.50, Sainsbury’s THIS Italian beauty is made from the little-known Marzemino grape and comes from the cool mountainous climes of Trentino. This chilly climate imbues freshness and crunch in this silky, mulberry and plum-kissed wine. Drink it with spicy Indian or Asian-influenced cooking and you will not believe just how well the flavours, fruit and herb notes of this cheeky wine lift the dish.
2018 Mad Fish, Shiraz, Western Australia
£9, Tesco SPICY, cracked black pepper notes and discreet bouquet garni details, coupled with a deep blackberry juice core, make this a very impressive number and one that punches way above its price tag. Drink with rich veggie dishes, juicy burgers or steaks.
2019 Jim Barry, The Lodge Hill Shiraz, Clare Valley, South Australia
£11, down to £10 until Jan 1, selected Co-ops COMING from one of the most revered estates in Australia, this deep, powerful, inky Shiraz is packed with blue and black fruit notes. You must decant this wine as it needs to breathe and then wallow in its heady fruit with a hearty pie or stew.
2019 Côtes du Rhône, Domaine de Verquière, France
£11.70, reduced to £10.40 each by the case, hhandc.co.uk THIS is another red which seems to be mispriced given its beautiful perfume and flavour. Perhaps the chic label might give away the class inside, but it is the palate which sounds the trumpets on your senses. Luxurious, dark and with liquorice, black olive and blackberry notes, it is so smooth it glistens in the glass. Serve with cheese.
2018 Sancerre Rouge, Terre de Maimbray, Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy, Loire France
£10.70, half bottles, reduced to £9.70 each by the case, hhandc.co.uk YOU might not always feel like drinking a full bottle and so here is a top-class, half-sized Pinot Noir which will enchant your senses. Reverdy’s red wines are rare but incredible and this is a flavour that I never tire of. With hauntingly pure red cherry fruit and a gossamer feel, this is a veritable couture creation.