So this is a new thing I'm trying out, three bottles of wine from the supermarket for £30 (or thereabouts) - a bottle of sparkling, a white and a red. I'm well aware that I normally post weird and wonderful (and often quite expensive) wines which aren't really approachable for many people, so I thought it might be nice to branch out a little. I know, how nice of me. But it also means I've got another excuse for buying a few more bottles of wine a week.
I plan to choose a different supermarket each time and try to find some good priced wines. Maybe something a little bit off the beaten track but hopefully they provide you with some inspiration!
First off is Ocado (we've all turned to online shopping right?) but I've already blown my £30 budget so I'm not off to the best start...
Sparkling - Baron de Rothberg £10.50
White - Chapel Down Flint £11.99
Red - Santa Tresa Cerasuolo £10.99
Total £33.48
Sparkling - Baron de Rothberg £10.50
A Merlot, Ugni Blanc and Airen sparkling wine from Bordeaux, France. At 11% abv, it's a good wine to start the night off with.
Tasting notes: fresh citrus flavours, grapefruit, plenty of zesty lemons and limes. Very delicate and light,
Postives: Easy to drink, very light and crisp. A very good alternative to Cava and Prosecco, especially those which are slightly sweet/rich.
Negatives: Not very complex, but then I wouldn't expect that for a sparkling wine at this price point!
Food: Very much an apertific food, so get some snacks and dig in.
White - Chapel Down Flint £11.99
A great alternative for a New Zealand Sauignon Blanc, but make sure you like acidity as this one is sky high (I love it). A blend of Bacchus, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and other bits of bobs. A great wine if you want to stay local (the grapes are from Kent, Essex and East Sussex).
Tasting notes: Intense kiwi, elderflower and plenty of citrus zing, loads of concentration in this wine.
Positives: It's from England! And it's always great to taste great wines from here.
Negatives: Hm I suppose the high acid could hit you in the face if you like something a bit richer/sweeter.
Food: Prawn cocktail, an English garden salad or a roast chicken.
Red - Santa Tresa Cerasuolo £10.99
This was the standout wine for me, and as expected from a DOCG wine. A Frappato and Nero d’Avola blend from Sicily at 14% abv.
Tasting notes: Some of the Nero d'Avola is left to dry a bit on the vines, adding not only a bit of alcohol to the finished wine (concentrating the sugars) but also a richness, as well as dried fruit notes. Some oak flavours come through too, not overbearing but a nice soft addition to the wine. Morello cherries and dark berries. A super smooth and soft wine, definitely needs food.
Positives: Couldn't really fault this wine, ok 14% abv might be a little on the high side for some of you, but it just means more flavour right? Loads of concentration and perfectly balanced.
Negatives: Honestly couldn't think of any. Or perhaps the 14% abv had something to do with not remembering any.
Food: Staying in Sicily, I'd have to say either a plate of Italian cured meats, caponata (aubergine, tomato pine nuts, raisins etc.) or Pasta alla Norma. Or how about a big ragù filled arancina/o.
Next week it's Marks and Spencers...
Heard in London