WINE of the month
Hatzidakis, Assyrtiko, Santorini, Greece 2016, 13.5%, £13, Waitrose Phylloxera, the parasite that lives on and eats vine roots, has never made it to Santorini thanks to its volcanic soil. Made up of old vines, this delicious offering smells and tastes of the sea, with subtle citrus fruit and a steely minerality and an impressive palatetingling acidity – ideal for a variety of food. Domaine Jomain, Chardonnay, bourgogne, France 2014, 13%, £15.99, Majestic
The grapes to make up this elegant and classy wine come exclusively from the vineyards bordering the Puligny-Montrachet commune. This is a classic fine Burgundy with white cream notes complimented with lemon and apple notes. A serious partner to fish and white meat. the Lane Vineyard, Craft 3 Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia 2016, 13.5%, £10, Marks & Spencer Made by the acclaimed winemaker Michael Schreurs, this is an elegant style of Chardonnay with peachy and ripe pear flavours. The eight months’ ageing in oak add complexity and texture. A stylish great value wine to enjoy with a variety of food. Domaine des ormes, Saumur, France 2014, 13%, £8, Coop This is a very enjoyable crunchy red vinified by the local cooperative. It’s vibrant and juicy with red and blackcurrant flavours and a peppery edge. The palate is showing concentration and ripe black cherry fruit with some grippy tannins. This is a textbook Loire Cabernet to enjoy slightly chilled with grilled red meat. Weingut braunewell, pinot Noir, rheinhessen, Germany 2014,
12%, £14.95,
Lea & Sandeman
A riper style of Pinot Noir but the nose is opening up to bright and vibrant, with strawberry and cherry scented fruits. Mediumbodied with soft tannins backed up with pure and juicy red fruit notes, this crowd-pleaser is even more delicious served slightly chilled. porta 6, Lisboa, portugal 2015, 13.5%, £8.99; Majestic
From the local grapes Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Castelão, this is a straightforward medium-bodied red with blackcurrant and floral notes.
This thirst-quenching red is very refreshing and vibrant, with smooth tannins and, more importantly, worth every penny.