On the grapevine

Cider is Wine: The organisation Cider is Wine is the global quality mark for ciders and perries made exclusively from fresh apples and pears, not from concentrate. The difference this makes in flavour is amazing. Instead of tired, oxidised fruit flavours there are bright, crisp apple and pear notes in these ciders. These are difficult to find in shops, but Cider is Wine organises virtual tours of orchards and Zoom tastings with cider-makers. The next tasting is on July 24 at 6.30pm when cellar master Barry Walsh, from Killahora Orchards in Cork, will introduce three ciders including a rare Apple Ice Wine. To take part you need to sign up to receive the tasting samples (£45 including delivery), then log into the tasting. Contact Cider is Wine via email: Alistair@cideriswine.co.uk

Be Frugal: Glass wine bottles are environmentally friendly since they are widely recycled, but they are heavy and a lot of energy is used to transport them around the world. Now a new style of bottle is just about to arrive on the shelves. The Frugal bottle is made from recycled paperboard, with a food-grade plastic liner. The bottle is light, totally recyclable and has a carbon footprint six times lower than a glass bottle. I can’t see top quality wines going into paper bottles, but now that we are happy to have wine in cans, this is just another step towards responsible packaging. Supermarkets are considering using the Frugal bottle. It will probably arrive on shelves in

the next 12 months.

Mendoza Malbec:

The last shipment sold out immediately, so Riponbased Yorkshire Vintners has taken delivery of a new consignment of Destino Malbec 2018 from Argentina.

Full of chunky cherry and raspberry fruit, this is a perfect barbecue wine. Usually £8.50, but now £6.75. Ring 01765 601701, or check the website, www. yorkshirevintners.co.uk