RAISE A GLASS

I hope you know by now, that this space dedicated to all things drinkies is basically a reflection of my life. If not, where have you been? This time around I’ve been pulled and tugged in the direction of “things that I like” and perhaps you may like them too.

My first is a wine from a region I visited last year – I explored Picpoul de Pinet wines by the Mediterranean ocean in the south of France.

One wine has arrived back in my life: Picpoul de Pinet Domaine Félines Jourdan 2021 (left, £9.75, online at The Wine Society). It has been recommended by the society’s buyer Marcel Orford Williams as one of his picks of the range. I sipped it on a cold-ish night, alongside a wakeme-up spicy prawn chilli noodle “thing” I rustled up.

This wine has an affinity with seafood – its zesty, lemon-fresh appley characteristic, with a good acidity, was a smashing partner.

Now to an unusual wine with a label I love. I try not to be drawn in by labels. I like to read the wine and not the marketing.

But nevertheless, here we are, with Troupis Route Gris Moschofilero 2021 from Naked Wines (right, £13.99, or £16.99 for non-members).

Moschofilero is a pink-skinned grape and the wine has been crafted in Arcadia, Greece, by winemaker Yiannis Troupis.

The grapes are usually at the heart of white wines, but here Yiannis has allowed them to macerate with the juices, bringing texture and a pink hue.

The flavours have notes of grapefruit, peachy, and tangerine, with a pithy texture.

Finally, to a red which a pal has been nagging me to try. I’m glad he did. You can enjoy a flavour pot of a wine for £7 in the form of Tesco Finest Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2019 (left).

This vintage won three awards at last year’s International Wine Challenge (IWC): The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Trophy, IWC Great Value Champion Red 2022, and the IWC Great Value Red under £8.

You’ll find concentrated cherry and black fruits, just enough of a tannic grip and a tingle of spice on the finish.

Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.