Wine of the Month – another outstanding wine from Gutter & Stars! A real treat for the palate …

Gutter & Stars ‘Fight the Power’ Ortega 2022

This is another outstanding wine from Cambridge’s urban winery, Gutter & Stars. Made from 100% Ortega grapes grown at Yew Tree Vineyard in Oxfordshire, the wine was fermented in oak barrels before further ageing on the lees.

The result is a perfectly balanced, inviting wine with a velvety mouthfeel and a lengthy finish. It is, quite simply, a real pleasure to drink!

With honeysuckle, peach, and pear drops on the nose, and peach and citrus fruit flavours on the palate, this is a wonderful expression of the Ortega grape. Enjoy it as an apéritif, or with a seafood, chicken or vegetable dish.

Available from Gutter & Stars and Grape Britannia (£25-£30)

Crossword clue …

Wine in inn Poirot ordered (5,4).

Answer: Pinot Noir

Zana Pinot Noir 2021 (Romania)

This refreshing and easy-drinking Romanian Pinot Noir, which won Gold in the 2022 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge Awards, is very good value for money. Produced by Cramele Recas, Romania’s largest wine exporter, the wine has cherry, strawberry and plum notes on the nose which lead through to the palate, with a touch of spiciness on the finish.

A smooth wine with medium tannin and medium acidity, it is an ideal match for cold meats or duck, and can also be enjoyed by itself.

Available from Sainsbury’s (£8.25)

A delightful GSM blend from the Rhône Valley

Domaine Gramiller Rasteau 2020 (Southern Rhône)

This wine from Domaine Gramiller in the Southern Rhône is a blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (30%) and Mourvèdre (20%) grape varieties. It is a smooth and elegant full-bodied wine with medium tannins, medium acidity and a lengthy finish.

With aromas of plum, blackberry and the herbs of its native garrigue on the nose leading to flavours of plum, cassis and liquorice on the palate, this is a well-balanced wine which can be paired with a grilled or roasted meat dish, or with roasted vegetables.

Available from Cambridge Wine Merchants (£15.99)