RAISE A GLASS
Blimey, is that September I see coming over the horizon? How did it get here so soon?
That month will have to slow down its progress and wait until I’ve enjoyed my final barbecue of August this Bank Holiday weekend.
Here’s a trio of reds perfectly poised to partner barbecued morsels should you likewise decide to spark up coals Let’s hope it doesn’t rain after that build-up.
My first red is Château Pey de Faure 2019 (£12.99, online at Averys). The aromas from this wine (poured next to me as I type) are ripe and fruity. They’re enticing me, and succeeding, in making me break off from typing these… next words. There, I did it and sipped. The lush aromas are of forest fruits, plums and blackcurrants. It’s a Bordeaux blend with plummy merlot taking centre stage. The fruit is generous in the mouth with a flick of spice in the background. The wine appears in the latest Bordeaux Hot 50, recently announced, which can be found online at bordeaux.com/gb/selection
My next red is one of three new kids on the block in Sainsbury’s.
I’m told the Fête des
Flaveurs range is aimed at consumers who may be confused by French wines.
Fête des Flaveurs Beaujolais Villages has subtle raspberry and cherry notes which played on my palate very easily.
Gamay is the grape of beaujolais, and the wine-making style produces wines which burst with fruit. Wines with the villages classification (like this one) have more complexity than a basic Beaujolais AOC.
Other wines in the range are Fête des Flaveurs Bordeaux Merlot and
Fête des Flaveurs Touraine Sauvignon Blanc (all RRP £8.50).
The last in my red trio is
Familia Blanco Mairena Malbec 2018 (£12, online at wineandsomething.com).
It’s not shy of its Argentinian malbec credentials. Black fruits and plums cajole the tastebuds. Spice enters the palate party and a savoury note adds depth. It’s a wine of contrasts, with a ripe, drinkable quality.
The wine is available to buy in the online merchant’s full range, or as part of a worthy Bottles of Kindness initiative. If a customer spends more than £75, the malbec is one of four wines which can be sent – free of charge – as a thank you to someone who has made a difference.
Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.