RAISE A GLASS
LOTS of you will be enjoying Easter surrounded by family and friends, but there’s also another reason to celebrate. Malbec World Day. Yes, this wine has its own day. The idea came from Wines of Argentina to celebrate what has become Argentina’s signature grape variety. There might not be any malbec parties near you on Monday, but you could always create a celebratory vibe by picking up a bottle and taking it home. Here are a couple I’ve tried.
Craft 3 Malbec 2016 (£10, Marks & Spencer, 13.5%abv) This wine is a collaboration between M&S wine experts Emma Dawson and Jeneve Williams and consultant winemaker Gerd Stepp. They’ve taken grapes from limestone plots in the Uco Valley and together have delivered a full-bodied red which is lush in fruit and dappled with spice. Sweet plums and black fruits ooze from the glass and there’s a fruit compote of flavours in the mouth offset by the slightest amount of acidity. Pour with a steak – what else.
Exquisite Collection Argentinian
Malbec (£5.99, Aldi, 13.5% abv) This wine also comes from the Uco Valley in Argentina, with grapes grown in high altitude vineyards which create the perfect growing conditions in the intensely sunny climate. It has the colour of a plump, velvety, purple cushion, and, with a wiggle of the glass, the aromas of plum and blackberries draw you in. I advise you to hold the glass still while you sip so you can enjoy a good gush of rich fruits. The flavours don’t last a great deal of time, but it’s an enjoyable glass. YOU can follow #worldmalbecday on twitter or go tomalbecworldday.com
■ HERE are a couple of unusual fruity, sweet, tastes if you’re feeling adventurous. Zymurgorium Marmalade Manchester Gin (from £33.50, stockists include masterofmalt.com, 40% abv) Gin made with marmalade? Well almost. Craft gin distillers Zymurgorium teamed up with marmalade makers Duerr’s to create this gin made with citrus; including lime, lemon, tangerine and Seville orange.
The distilled creation then passes over orange peel. It has a slight hue of orange and the aromas remind me of Cointreau. My Better Half thought it was too sweet; but it was fine for me and I enjoyed it on its own with chunks of ice.
The Zymurgorium team suggests you make The Ultimate Manchester Marmalade Gin Collins: mix together 50ml of the gin, 1tsp caster sugar, 1tsp marmalade, 25ml lemon juice, add a lightly crushed lemon or lime wedge and then top up with elderflower tonic or soda.
Mr Gladstone’s Curious
Emporium Pineapple Cube (£5, Tesco, 9% abv) Who doesn’t like a drop of fizz and this one is a little bit different. The bubbles were lively and there was a woosh of pineapple aromas, just like the syrupy juice you get in a tin of pineapple chunks. It is sweet, that’s for sure, with sweet pineapple flavours but don’t expect complexity.