September 2022 - It Must Be Wine O'clock

An older English vintage which still has lots to offer

Hazel End Vineyard Bacchus Dry 2014 (Hertfordshire)

It’s unusual to find an English white wine that has aged a few years but this 2014 Bacchus Dry from Hazel End Vineyard in Hertfordshire is a real delight. 2014 was generally a good year for English wine. Eleven out of twelve months were warmer than average and there was also a reasonable amount of rain. The result was a bumper 2014 harvest with plenty of healthy, high-quality grapes. And several years on, this wine still has lots to offer.

With aromas of grapefruit, elderflower, lime and a touch of petrol on the nose, leading to a burst of lime and peach on the palate, this older Bacchus has a hint of Riesling about it. It is a smooth, refined wine with good acidity and a long finish, which can be enjoyed by itself, or with a seafood or chicken dish. Great value for a 2014 wine!

Available from Grape Britannia (£14.99)

Wine of the Month: an outstanding Siegerrebe from White Castle Vineyard in Wales

White Castle Vineyard Siegerrebe 2021 (Monmouthshire)

My Wine of the Month is this outstanding Siegerrebe from White Castle Vineyard in Monmouthshire, Wales. Though not a particularly common grape variety, Siegerrebe grows well in cooler climates and so is very much at home in the UK, and Robb and Nicola Merchant at White Castle have produced another fine wine with this 2021 vintage. Indeed, the wine was awarded Silver in the recent WineGB Awards 2022.

A dry wine with refreshing acidity, this has pronounced aromas of honey, blossom and muscat on the nose, leading to flavours of peach, lychee and nectarine on the palate. Smooth and elegant, it’s a fresh, well-balanced wine with a touch of spice on the finish, and can be enjoyed by itself, or with a fish or chicken dish. It will also go well with light, slightly spicy Asian dishes. We enjoyed it with a smoked salmon starter.

Though the wine is now out of stock at the vineyard, it is still available from several stockists including Grape Britannia, Cashells, Blas ar Fwyd, and Noble Grape. (£20-£22). Grab a bottle (or two) while stocks last!

A rich, intense Monastrell from south-east Spain

Carta Roja Pura Selección Privada 2019 (Jumilla)

Made from organically grown Monastrell grapes from the hot, rugged valleys of Jumilla in south-east Spain, and with no sulphur added, this wine demonstrates the dark berry characteristics typical of this grape variety.

This is a rich, intense, full-bodied wine, with medium acidity, medium tannins and a long finish. It is a smooth well-balanced wine that is easy to drink, despite the 14.5% alcohol.

Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, raspberry and spice on the nose lead to black cherry, plum and liquorice and a hint of smokiness on the palate. This is a good match for a hearty, meat dish from grilled meat to a lamb stew to a traditional roast. It’s also a perfect pairing for manchego or a blue cheese.

Available from Morrisons (£7.50)

An Austrian wine with a little sparkle

Grüner Veltliner, Von den Terrassen, Winzer Krems, Niederösterreich 2020 (Austria)

Compared to other European wine regions, Austrian wines are often overlooked and underrated. That’s a pity because there are some real delights to be found. This Grüner Veltliner from Niederösterreich (Lower Austria) is a good example. A fresh, elegant wine produced from grapes grown on the loess terraces along the banks of the Danube in the Wachau Valley, it has all the characteristics of Austria’s signature white grape variety.

Pronounced aromas of blossom, apple and peach, and a touch of white pepper on the nose lead to a delicious burst of apple, lemon, peach and nectarine on the palate. A tinge of effervescence adds a little sparkle to the mix and the mineral notes and refreshing acidity make for a very well-balanced wine.

A dry wine with a lengthy finish, this is a perfectly pleasant wine to drink by itself, or as the ideal match for Wiener Schnitzel. We enjoyed it with Japanese tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) and it was just the ticket.

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

Bursting with red and black fruits, this great value Saint-Chinian wine is perfect with roast beef

Les Hauts de Saint Martin, Saint-Chinian 2020 (Languedoc)

The vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France cover a vast area along the Mediterranean coast, stretching from Nîmes and Montpellier to the Spanish border. Here you can find a wide range of wine styles from a variety of grape varieties, producing predominantly red wines. This Saint-Chinian wine is from vineyards located at the southern end of the Massif Central and just 20 miles from the coast, enabling the grapes to benefit from long, hot summers and mild winters, and resulting in a smooth, rich, full-bodied wine.

A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre grapes, this is a dry wine with medium acidity and medium tannins. Aromas of mint, plum and blackberries lead to a palate bursting with red and black fruits, vanilla and spice, and a lingering finish.

A quality wine offering very good value for money. A perfect wine for roast beef, lamb or steak.

Available from Co-op (£8.50)