RAISE A GLASS
I’M often asked “where are the best places to go and buy wine?” or “is there a good wine to look out for?”. I have my opinions, which is just as well, being as I have this little spot of printed ink in which to voice them.
However, I also defer politely to the viewpoints and considered judgements of people in the wine industry.
One of the biggest events in the wine calendar is the International Wine Challenge Merchants’ Awards dinner (I went once and kicked off my shoes on the dance floor).
There are some proud awardwinners around at the moment as it took place just a few days ago.
Here are a few headlines which might be helpful for that “ooo, err” moment when you’re wondering where to buy wine.
Aldi won Supermarket of the Year, pipping Waitrose and Marks & Spencer. Waitrose walked away with a specialist award for its excellent range of English wines (plus another nod for its champagne and sparkling wines).
M&S picked up a specialist award for rosé wines. The Wine
Society (thewinesociety.com) was named Wine Club of the Year.
Majestic won High Street Chain of the Year. The Co-op is Convenience Store Chain of the Year for the third year running
Ok. Have you digested that info? Let’s move on. Here are three of the Great Value Trophy winners also announced at the event (wines are blind-tasted throughout the judging process).
The IWC top pick for rosé is Baron Gassier Cuvée Elegance 2017, available at Sainsbury’s from £12. The IWC Great Value Champion White 2018 medal went to Viré-Cléssé 2016 from Florent Rouve (£15) – a chardonnay available from Marks & Spencer. Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne NV (£19) won the award for IWC Great Value Champion Sparkling 2018.
You can find the full list of specialist merchant awards atiwcmerchantawards.com, and for more details on the 2018 Trophy winners, go to internationalwinechallenge.com
IN MY GLASS ...
I’VE discovered a couple of beautiful wines from California, both of them chardonnay. It’s funny, because chardonnay hasn’t been on my “go-to” list of wines in recent months.
First, Edna Valley Chardonnay 2016 (£15.99, or £9.99 in a buy six deal at Majestic, 14% abv).
The vineyard is halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, five miles from the Pacific Ocean. The climate is perfect for a long, cool growing season.
The wine is soft with a creamy mouthfeel and a dalliance of spice. I found green apple and delightful tropical notes which are moreish.
Second, Frei Brothers Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2016 (£17.99, Waitrose, 14% abv) The Russian River Valley is in Sonoma County, California, where at night cooling fogs drift in from the Pacific to give the grapes respite from the heat. I loved this wine, with its creamy mouthfeel, flecked with subtle notes of vanilla, toast and spice and ripe tropical fruits.
Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.