February 2025 - It Must Be Wine O'clock

A perfect apéritif from Italy …

Excellent value for money and a perfect apéritif

Taste the Difference, Conegliano Prosecco Superiore Brut, 2023 (Italy)

Produced from grapes grown on the steep limestone hills in the DOCG area of Conegliano in north-east Italy, this is a crisp, refreshing sparkling wine with flavours of apple, lemon, apricot and peach, and a smooth, lively fizz.

This very pleasant and well-balanced Brut wine from Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range has medium acidity, a hint of minerality and a clean finish. It is excellent for money and a perfect apéritif.

Available from Sainsbury’s (£9.75)

This Negroamaro from Puglia in the heel of Italy is a delightful Southern Italian red offering very good value for money.

Vanitá Negroamaro, Puglia 2023 (Italy)

The heat of Southern Italy means it is able to produce full-bodied red wines made from grape varieties such as Aglianico, Primitivo and Negroamaro which flourish in the hot, sunny climate. This Negroamaro from Puglia in the heel of Italy is a delightful Southern Italian red offering very good value for money.

With aromas of bramble fruits, vanilla and a hint of spice on the nose, and flavours of blackberry, prune, and cherry on the palate, this is a smooth, velvety, well-balanced wine with medium tannin and a lingering finish.

A bold, full-bodied fruity wine, this is a perfect match for steak, roast or grilled meat dishes, roasted vegetables or mature cheeses.

Available from Co-op (£8)