August 2022 - It Must Be Wine O'clock

Wine of the Month – a top-quality Sauvignon Blanc 2021 from New Zealand offering excellent value for money

Grove Mill, Wairau Valley, Marlborough 2021

This elegant, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is a real treat. Grove Mills produce their wines from grapes grown in the vineyards surrounding their winery in the Wairau Valley with a keen awareness of environmental considerations, and this is a refined wine, with lots of depth and personality.

Pronounced aromas of elderflower, peach, lychee and guava on the nose herald flavours of lime, nectarine and passion fruit on the palate. The layers of fruit are well supported by the bright acidity and lasting finish, and a hint of minerality adds a further level.

A delightful wine offering great value for money. Perfect by itself or with a seafood or chicken dish.

Available from Co-op (£9.50)

This Pecorino wine from central Italy is a little gem

Saladini Pilastri Pecorino, Offida DOCG, 2020 (Italy)

Italian wines never fail to surprise (and delight) me, and this Pecorino wine from the Marche region of central Italy is a little gem. Though the word Pecorino may conjure up yearnings for the nutty, buttery sheep cheese of the same name, there is no connection. And while Pecorino wine may not be as widely known as other Italian white wines, it is certainly worth trying for its floral aromas, crisp freshness and stone fruit flavours.

This honey-coloured wine from one of the first wine producers in Italy to produce organic wine is a fine example of what Pecorino grapes are capable of. It is a smooth and elegant wine, with good acidity, a creamy mouthfeel and a lengthy finish. With notes of honey, blossom and citrus on the nose, and flavours of pear, peach and apricot on the palate, it can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with risotto, grilled fish and cheese.

We had it with ‘cacio e pepe’ pasta and it went down a treat!

Available from Majestic (£11.99, £9.99 Mix Six)

A rosé from the Surrey Downs to brighten your day!

Denbies Rose Hill NV (Surrey)

Denbies Wine Estate on the North Downs in Surrey planted their first vines in 1986. After a bumpy few years when the wines were a far cry from what they are now, the vineyard has grown to become the largest wine producer in the UK, producing a million bottles a year.

A blend of Pinot Noir and Rondo grapes, the Rose Hill is a very flavourful off-dry rosé with raspberry and candy floss on the nose, and a palate bursting with flavours of rhubarb, strawberries and cream, and a touch of toffee apple and caramel.

A refreshing, well-balanced wine which is perfect for this summer weather. Enjoy it by itself or with a salad, light chicken or fish/seafood dish.

Available from Grape Britannia (£9.99)

A refreshing regional wine from Lisbon

Porta 6 2020 (Portugal)

Portugal has an abundance of local grape varieties which bring a note of difference to its wines. This Vinho Regional (Regional Wine) from the Lisbon area is a case in point. It is a blend of Tinta Roriz (50%), Castelão (40%) and Touriga Nacional (10%), and is a smooth, silky wine with balanced acidity and a lengthy finish.

With aromas of blackberry, cherry and vanilla on the nose, and flavours of cherry, plum and a pleasant spiciness on the palate, this is an attractive wine offering excellent value for money.

This is a wine to enjoy by itself, or as a perfect accompaniment for lamb or a pasta dish.

Available from Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Tesco (£7-£8)