October 2023 - It Must Be Wine O'clock

A smooth, well-balanced Shiraz from New South Wales

PepperBox Shiraz, 2020 (Southeastern Australia)

Having recently tried the PepperBox Chardonnay from the Casella winery in New South Wales, I was keen to try other wines from the winery and I was very impressed with this Shiraz.

Deep ruby in colour, this rich, well-balanced PepperBox Shiraz is very good value for money. With blackberry, cherry and plum on the nose, and black fruits, chocolate and tobacco, with a hint of spice on the palate, this is a smooth wine with plenty of character, medium tannin and acidity, and a lengthy finish.

Perfect for a Sunday roast, with grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.

Available from Sainsbury’s (£9)

A smooth, enticing blend from the Kent Downs

Meopham Valley Vineyard Union Red 2022 (Kent)

This smooth red wine from Meopham Valley Vineyard in the North Kent Downs is a blend of Pinot Noir, Regent, Triomphe and Léon Millot grape varieties.

Aromas of bramble, cherry and blackberry on the nose lead to flavours of black fruits, chocolate and coffee on the palate, and the nine months’ oak barrel ageing gives a hint of spice and smokiness.

A well-balanced wine with medium acidity and medium tannins, this is a very appealing wine that can be enjoyed by itself or with a warming autumn casserole.

Available from Grape Britannia (£15.99)