Latest finds of interesting wines, from red to orange
SPARKLING
Sussex, England: Roebuck Rosé de Noirs 2016
My first taste from Roebuck Estates, an impressive newcomer on the Englishwinescene. Lightlyfragrant rosé, ripe red fruit sweetness and complex layers of flavours.
£40, www.roebuckestates.co.uk; www.hedonism.co.uk
WHITE
Douro, Portugal: Pedra A Pedra Branco 2018
STAR VALUE
Another new estate, Quinta da Pedra Alta, this time in Douro Valley’s Cima Corgo. A superb zesty white blend of rabigato and gouveio, grapes normally reserved for white port, grown on schist at 450 metres to retain acidity.
£12.99, www.deburghwines
Bordeaux, France: Château Picque Caillou Blanc 2017
Dry white Bordeaux is a hidden gem in this vast region and Pessacleognan south of Bordeaux is the place to look for quality and value. This elegant oaked sauvignon blanc/ semillon blend stole the show at our recent Bordeaux tasting.
£21, www.corneyandbarrow.com
Niederosterreich, Austria: Gruner Veltliner 2019 Ferdinand Mayr
Here is another limited edition GV at Aldi, from up-and-coming winemaker Ferdinand Mayr; still in stock and brilliant value. Refreshingly tangy.
£6.49 reduced from £6.99, Aldi
North Canterbury, New Zealand: Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Blanc/ Semillon 2018
In a line up of 24 Kiwi wines, this Waipara valley white Bordelais blend really shone out. Its rich honeyed palate and creamy texture are lifted by semillon in the blend. £22, www.nzhouseofwine.co.uk; £23, www.wineswithattitude.co.uk
ORANGE
Maule, Chile: Naranjo Torontel Loncomilla Maturana 2019
This is a gentle introduction to ‘orange wine’ made with prolonged skin contact, for this wine eight months in concrete eggs. Loved its orange tone, apricot, spicy savoury palate and herb notes.
£15.25, www.corneyandbarrow.com
ROSÉ
Tulbagh, South Africa: Lemberg Blanc de Noir Rosé 2019 STAR VALUE
A surprise find from Cape’s warm Tulbagh region, a dry rosé with such lightness and elegance it could be from Provence. This good value blend of delicately pressed syrah and grenache combines charming soft red berry fruits with a mouthwatering fresh vibrancy. £10.19, www.greatgrog.co.uk
RED
Sicily: Purato Siccari Appassimento 2019
A wine which ticks all the sustainable boxes from organic grown grapes, carbon neutral, vegan friendly to recyclable materials. This nero d’avola (with syrah) is named siccari, meaning sun-dried in Sicilian, which adds concentration and glycerol richness to the blend. £8.99-£9.99, Ocado; Majestic
Tasmania: Holm Oak Vineyards Pinot Noir 2018
I spotted this little gem in a line-up of much higher-priced Tasmanian pinot noirs. 2018 was warm and dry – resulting in an enchanting strawberry and cherry fruited palate with floral notes and silky tannins. £20, www.villeneuvewines.com
Crete: Kompsos Liatiko 2019 Karavitakis
STAR VALUE
I was initially put off by its very pale pink/onion skin colour, but its orange peel, apricot and hints of compost nose and fabulous savoury earthy palate and long finish is quite superb. £9.95, www.thewinesociety.com
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: Esk Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/merlot/cabernet Franc 2018
A stand-out Kiwi red from Hawkes Bay in North Island. From 2018 vintage, which recorded the hottest summer temperatures since 1935; distinct aromatic nose with rich blackcurrant and liquorice, succulent black fruited palate with soft silky tannins.
£25, North & South Wines
SWEET Monbazillac, France: Les Pins Montbazillac 2015 Chateau Tirecul La Graviere STAR VALUE
The Bilancini family make this superb spicy Muscadelle-based wine from grapes affected by noble rot/aka botrytis cinerea. Smooth unctuous sweet wine with crystallised apricot, spice and amber nuttiness.
£14.99 hf bt, Raeburn Wines
Join Rose’s Austria & German virtual wine tastings in association with L’art du Vin on 20 & 27 March, aduv.co.uk