Cab

Bargain Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile
Excellent! Enough said!
Morrisons
£3.99

Get fresh with Sangio

If you have forgotten what wine tastes like then this is a good one to start with!
Something about Sangiovese always draws me to them. They seem to taste so raw to me -light and refreshing like this or the more mature and challenging Chiantis. I love it!

Bacaro Rubicone Sangiovese 2008
Pale pink ruby in colour this light coloured wine has a pleasant fruity aromatic nose. Very refreshing on the palate with a light texture and fresh raspberry flavour. An excellent approachable wine with quite a bit of tannin grip in the mouth and a sharp finish but lots of aromatics as well.
£5.99 from Majestic.

Drinks cabinet - government spends £17,500 on wine

More than £17,500 has been spent topping up the government's £850,000 wine cellar, it has emerged.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/politics/10357852.stm

Mendoza!

I know what you're thinking - it's something like this: "Hmmmm, Mendoza? Where do I know that name from?" and you're imagining it being shouted by someone with a gun. I reckon you're probably thinking it's got something to do with 80s TV series, like the A-Team or something. Close. It's the name of The Simpsons' TV hardman McBain's nemesis, Senator Mendoza. You watch too much TV anyway.

It's also the greatest wine region in Argentina. Again, you might be lapsing into some 80s anachronistic thinking - Argentinian wines got a reputation for being awful about 15 years ago. But they ain't.

Here's the angle: the UK is coming into summer, there's football around and a bit of sunshine, and this brings out an awful lot of barbecues and picnics, blokes drinking lager and supermarkets pushing rosé like it had just been invented. But what of the reds? It's a tough one - you certainly don't want something with a body that's too heavy; picnics tend to start as afternoon activities, and with a spot of sun on your head and a slightly chunky shiraz you'll pass straight through being talkative, to garrulousness and red-faced war talk. Cool it.

Similarly, you don't want anything too light. I'm a sucker for a summery Beaujolais, thin, fun, splashy-splashy. But they can get lost among the cabaret of British al-fresco eating - we're a nation that relishes condiments and marinades, strong and spicy flavours dominate barbecues. Beaujolais' Gamay grape can struggle to get a grip.

So here's what I'm talking about: "Get Mendoza".

Where's this coming from? I'm a massive fan of Manuel Vazquez Montalban's Pepé Carvalho series of books. Carvalho is an intense character - a private detective of the classic type (brooding, troubled, ambiguous past, happy to use questionable techniques to get results), with an interesting angle. He's not just a drinker (so many classic detectives are boozers, for my money Inspector Morse takes the cup since his fondness for it took him to diabetes and an early grave). He's a gourmet, a connoisseur, a chef and a gourmand - as was Montalban. Pepé's deepest insights into his cases come when he breaks off engagements with his prosititute-girlfriend, retreats to his house in Vallvidrera (on the hills overlooking Barcelona), lights a roaring fire by burning volumes of his extensive political and philosophical library, and sets about creating an exquisite menu. Montalban describes the recipes in detail - the books encourage the reader to indulge themselves in more ways than one.

In the penultimate book of the series (or, as it may be, ante-penultimate, if Millennium Carvalho ever sees posthumous release), The Beuno-Aires Quintet, our hero ventures to Argentina - a country which means very little to him. What do you know about Argentina? "Tango, Maradona, the Disappeared". In the book he discovers several other important features (and comes to understand two of these three a little better): meat and Mendoza. There are lengthy descriptions of family asados (which appear to be a cross between the British traditional Sunday Roast Ritual and a huge barbecue). Mendoza wines are a continual counterpoint to the beef. Hence this post.

The Mendoza region's first appellation went to Lujan De Cuyo in the early 90s, and its best known variety is their Malbec, which flourishes in their relatively dry climate. While the Malbecs get the most hype, and are probably the most confident among the Mendoza single varietal wines, I think the most unique contribution from the region is its (little known) Bonarda grapes. As I understand it, Argentinian producers are putting their weight behind the Malbec since they think the Bonarda isn't going to hit the mainstream well enough - but I'm all about the underground. It's an interesting grape, that bit lighter than the Malbec (which compares with the medium body of a Pinot Noir, but with the blackberry edge of a Zinfandel), and the Bonarda has more of a cherry flavour. The best Mendozas I've tried have been blends of varieties involving Bonarda - it goes very well with their Shiraz/Syrah grapes.

So what do you get? The classic Mendoza character is slightly on the heavier side of a medium weight, with handsome warm fragrances - cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, slightly oaky. The density lets it carry two flavours clearly: the top notes are cherry blossoms, vanilla and sweet peppers, and the long, soft finish has a rich plum-and-wood smoothness. It's quaffable without being heady, so you can put it away quite easily and very enjoyably. It seems to have very little acidity compared with similar weighted wines, but this doesn't mean it disappears among stronger flavours. The sweetness and mellowness doesn't cloy - it's lively enough to keep you interested from cork to empty. That's why it's a recommendation for these picnics you're going on. Don't shy away from the blends - the Shiraz, Pinot Noirs and Cabernets are all good, but remember the grapes of note are the Malbec (confident enough to stand alone) and the Bonarda. (Here are two good current tips:

Casa Bonita Bonarda Malbec, 2005

- a blend of two uniquely Mendozan grapes, lighter than many from the region. A great chance to try the Bonarda at work. Red fruit flavours, touch of spice. Incredibly cheap from Morrison's right now (something to do with exchange rates) - priced at £2.99 or £3.99 depending on where you live (postcode lottery?). Get Mendoza!

Sainsbury's Taste The Difference: Argentinian Mendoza Malbec, 2008

- straight up 100% varietal wine, does everything you want a Mendoza to do, and currently on offer (I think this was around £6, down from around £9). It's from the Lujan De Cuyo area although it doesn't carry the DOC. They say: "Lush, violet-scented wine... velvety tannins and long finish". I think lush is good word for things that are green, it doesn't work for me here, but violet-scented is right on the money, and also captures the way the light bounces through it in the glass. Get Mendoza!

Vidall not Sassoon

On holiday in Cornwall.
We had superb weather for it all week!
The main activities were surfing, sailing, swimming, cycling, fishing, crabbing, canoeing and that was only half of it!
When not pubbing it in the evening we enjoyed a lovely glass of wine or two.

Vidal Syrah 2007
Fresh cherry on the nose with a bit of spice.
sweet palate of cherry and fresh fruit. Rich body with intense flavour smooth texture and long finish. Excellent rich and fruity Syrah with a touch of freshness.
Something completely different to an Australian Shiraz. Give it a go.
£9.99 from Waitrose

Mobile Future Blog Of Tomorrow

This is the future! TODAY. Me and fellow Steel Wine Blog King Will simultaniously write and up a wine that he has cracked open to celebrate my extended stay in the UK thanks to the ash from the volcano Jadefhjnfsgjkhfdfcxxhoigdssgh.

So, a blast from the past: Marques De Grinyon's Emeritus, a  1998 recommendation from Penistone Wine Court. Will has decanted it and the glass sits in front of me in wait of my discerning judgement.

An attractive rusty hue borders the liquid, which retains its intense deep cherry colour.

(Decants more to sit on rug by fire.)

A reserved nose that may well be opening up with time and temperature, upon agitation an impression of tabacco. To taste at first, young tasting and subtle, light body and a hint of tannin from its time in the barrel. It is the taste of raisins, is long and seems to get sweeter for some time after each swig.

Cheers Will! And Spanner on the alcohol free merlot (pictured).
Mark P Dix

Its been a hectic weekend of heavy tunes, heavy drinking and daft dancing, We are blogging from a post party wine review in the living room.
Caramelized orange in colour with fringes fading gradually to the core.
Aromatic fruit, brulee in flavour. Licqourice and tobacco flavours with sweet oak.
Lovely balance of texture from the tannins and a long lasting finish.
Top top.
Will W

Oaky Chardonnay evening.

Here is a big bold wine to be enjoyed and savoured. One for an evening in or perfect on Sunday eve. Rich, buttery and complex with a refreshing but long finish. I could drink a lot of this right now!
I love the rich, creamy, oaked Chardonnays from the new world. Australia, New Zealand and South Africa all have great examples of this. Chardonnay is easy to manipulate in the winery. Vignerons love the variety as they can influence the wine by tweaking the production process to get an individual wine of their making. Malolactic fermentation imparts a buttery toastiness which is sometimes amplified by siphoning the wine into brand new oak barrels to mature.

2008 Journeys End, Haystack Chardonnay
Big and rich in style with heavy use of Oak giving it a nutty toasted aroma. On the palate it is smooth and full bodied with bread, butter and toffee apple fruit but it is dry and comes with a very long finish. Excellent indeed.
£9.99 From Bibendum Wine.

what a pino

I loved this bottle of Pinot Grigio from Marks and Spencers.
Only £4.49 for this light bodied treat!

Light straw yellow colour with an aromatic melon and apple nose. Mid weight texture, lemon and pineapple tropical fruit on the fresh palate with a tiny hint of spice and a crisp finish.
Highly recommended vibrant wine.

Will

Land of the long white cloud

Wine of New Zealand.
I'm very very fond of all NZ Wines full stop. This is a supermarket gem which is easily available, though will set you back 9 squidders.
Its worth it for this sip
The South Island Pinot Noirs are superb due to ideal cold climate terroir growing conditions for the small Pinot Noir grapes.
This Asda own brand is produced by Wither Hills in the Wither Hills area of Marlborough. Subtle difference from the Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough region. It is savoury and fresh with delicious raspberry and redcurrant freshness along with slight farmy savoury note on the nose. Very smooth and well balanced on the palate with a nice bit of texture and tannins.
£9.00 Asda

Will

Fw: Monte la sarda 2008 garnacha

Monte la sarda 2008 garnacha
Garnacha/garnache (same, right?) Is a grape that appeals to me but I don't know why. It seems to speak of a tasty and bold sensation.

This wine is from bajo aragon in spain. The label says 'vinas viejas' and the maker says all the vines used are between 45-100 years old and are from a local strain. Someone more learned would know the implications of this.

As for the drinking? A strong but gentle smell, and an initial sweet/mellow hit on the tongue, followed by a smooth and fulsome principle taste. this doesn't outstay its welcome and a little nip in the tale keeps the memory of each sip fresh in the drinkers mind.

Megs rating- 8/10

The Snail

This is primarily a wine blog but here is a restaurant review for a bit of a change!

L'Escargot, London

Soho institution and probably the closest restaurant i have seen yet to the one they go to in Ferris Buellers Day Off. Very traditional french in style with tasteful decor and cool contemporary art such as a 3D giant gold dinosaur head.

Snails in garlic with a Bordeaux sauce. Served inside their shells on a spot of potato puree. It was ideal to fish out the meat with the snail holding device and then eat it with a mouth of potato and the lovely sauce. Gorgeous. This we had with a bottle of Sancerre which was laden with Terroir driven character. Steely mineral sauvignon blanc from the Loire valley of France. Refreshing and delicious accompaniment.

Main course of duck leg with ratte potatoes, pak choi and red chard was rich and superb with a lovely Cotes Du Rhone Villages. Ripe, fruity and smooth with touch of spice.

We spent many hours round the table chatting and laughing before finally getting coffee and petit fours.

Queens wine

Not really.
Buckingham Estate
Reserve Shiraz 2006 14%
Western Australia

There is a cool climate for wine in Western Australia. The main area is Margaret river sitting on a peninsular down from Perth.
The result of the cool climate is that this Shiraz is fresh and lean more like a french wine than a typical juicy Australian Shiraz.

Dark purple black in the glass. A nose of lovely perfumed ripe fruit with touch of spicy oak and licuorice. On the palatte fresh fruit, medium bodied with a light fresh texture.
Morrisons £6.00

Wines with the family

A selection of wines recently enjoyed with family and friends.

To start the evening we had some biscuity champagne which was delicious. Never turn down a glass or two of pop!
We discussed the bisuity versus toasty topic. Anna said she likes the really buttery toasty champagne. I think this is the style of Laurent Perrier which is a favourite of ours. I can also highly recommend Tesco Finest champagne which is top notch class as well as Waitrose own Cava which is always brilliant!

In the restaurant I tasted the wines for our table. A fresh and fruity Merlot from Italy and a complex oaked Chardonnay, big in style- also Italian. I had quite a few glasses of both the wines during the meal and why not! To go with dessert there was a delicious muscat sweet dessert wine.

Valencian

Im digging the label of this Spanish bottle reviewed by Ambrose and friends.
Check it out from Oddbins!


Rafael cambra- 'dos' valencia collita 2007


A blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc.

Tom: full, robust, tannin-rich, gives you a sore throat just to smell it. Adult flavour, oaky, burnt coffee ground. Almost scalded.
Megan: lovely
Ambrose: taste- like a baileys! Creamy, chocolatey, caramel. Faint burnt tinge. Nose- reminiscent...but of what?

Oddbins, reduced to 10 pound, or thereabouts.

Ambrose

Respect At Last

Zerotes are like opinions, everyone's got one.  Which I suppose makes me and my wine gang qualified enough to judge in the 2nd Annual Vinya Cellar Masia Catalan Wine Contest.  And the fact that we were willing to part with €60 for the privilege.


The structure of the contest is thus: the products of 50 wine producers are judged by 100 anonymous and probably totally amateur judges via the internet.  The first round sees each judge consider six wines and cavas, my selection is pictured above.  The ones with the best scores are then sent out again to the judges, so each judge evaluates three of the wines that scored best in the previous round.


I decided that it would be fun to agree on the marks with a few friends, which we often didn't, so we ended up taking the average opinion from the six participants.


The wines had to be graded from 'insufficient' to 'excellent' on a number of points, namely:

• appearance (cleanliness)
• appearance (attractiveness)
• nose (impact)
• nose (intensity)
• nose (quality)
• taste (impact)
• taste (intensity)
• taste (persistence)
• harmony
• presentation

After each wine, our opinions were entered into the world wide web, through a screen like this:

followed by a screen like this:

whose design resembles that of a sixth-form website project.


Of the two cavas, one rosé, one white and two reds that we were dealt, only the first red, a 2007 Costers del Segre coupage of Ull de Llebre, Garnatxa Negra, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot named 'Saó Abrivat' recieved unamimous praise from the panel.


It was a good experience to value wines in this new way, and to feel a part of the official opinion formers, albeit a tiny one; and we look forward to rating the finalists and passing on these hot tips on to you, dear reader.


Mark D.