A little gem from New Zealand 

Main Divide, Riesling 2019 (New Zealand)

Although we might automatically think of Germany when we think of Riesling, the grape is very adaptable and is grown in many different parts of the world. With a preference for cooler, more temperate environments, it is quite at home in the Waipara Valley region on New Zealand’s South Island. And this Main Divide 2019 is a fine example of New Zealand Riesling. 

With floral, honey, orange peel notes on the nose and flavours of citrus fruits, nectarine and honey on the palate, this is an off-dry wine with lively acidity and an unexpected but very pleasant spritzig touch to it. A medium-bodied, well-balanced wine with a long finish, it will go well with seafood, duck or a slightly spicy Asian-inspired dish.

Available from Majestic  (£13.99, Mix Six £10.99)

Wine of the Month: Altolandon Mil Historias Bobal 2020 Manchuela (Spain)

There’s a lot more to Spanish reds than Rioja! Try this very appealing Bobal for something different.

When we think of Spanish red wine, we probably immediately think of Rioja. But there is lot more to Spanish red wine than Rioja. Bobal, for example.  

Though it may not be very well-known internationally, Bobal is Spain’s second most-planted red varietal after Tempranillo and records show it was already being cultivated in the Valencia region in the fifteenth century. 

This Bobal is produced by the Altolandon winery, located in the province of Manchuela, South East Spain, around 70km (45 miles) inland from Valencia. Here the high altitude, climate and well-drained soils create a perfect growing environment for the grapes.

This is a very appealing wine with herbaceous and black fruit aromas, and flavours of cherry, plum, blackberry, and raisins on the palate. A smooth, medium-bodied wine with medium tannins and medium acidity, this is a very good example of a less well-known grape variety.

Try it with lamb chops or a stew. It’s also a great match for cold meats and hard cheese.

Available from Cambridge Wine Merchants (£12.99)

A very appealing Rioja to brighten up your weekend

Baron de Ley Reserva 2018, Rioja (Spain)

Tempranillo is Spain’s principal black grape variety and is grown widely throughout northern and central Spain. It is particularly associated with wines from Rioja, located in the Ebro River Valley, around 60 miles south of Bilbao. 

This is a very appealing Rioja. It is a smooth well-balanced wine, with medium acidity, medium tannins and a lengthy finish.

Deep ruby in colour, it has aromas of plum, blackcurrant and cloves on the nose, and plum, cherry and chocolate on the palate. The barrel-ageing gives the wine additional characters of vanilla and oak.  

A wine which can be enjoyed by itself but which also goes well with lamb, duck or a roast vegetable dish. 

Available from Co-op (£12.75)

Wine of the Month

A perfect English wine to welcome spring

Danebury Madeleine Angevine 2021 (Hampshire)

Produced from Madeleine Angevine grapes, this elegant, floral wine from Danebury Vineyards in Hampshire heralds spring perfectly. With apple, pear and peach on the nose, and orchard fruits, lemon and a hint of honey on the palate, this is a well-balanced, crisp wine with a lengthy mineral finish. 

Here is another fine example of the excellent quality of wines now being produced on this island.  This Madeleine Angevine wine can be enjoyed by itself and also pairs very well with a seafood dish or chicken.

Available from Grape Britannia (£11.99)

A great value Haut-Médoc, perfect with a Sunday roast

Château Dasvin-Bel-Air, Haut-Médoc 2019 (Bordeaux)

This smooth, elegant wine is from the heart of the Médoc wine area, just to the north of the city of Bordeaux. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it has vanilla, blackcurrant and dark cherry on the nose, and blackcurrant and plum on the palate. 

A hint of smokiness reflects the oak ageing and there is a slight earthiness in the finish. This is a well-balanced, medium-bodied wine with medium tannins, offering very good value for money.

This is an excellent match for a Sunday roast and will also go well with hard cheese. 

Available from Co-op (£13.50)

A nod to Spain in this Australian wine

Yalumba Y Series Tempranillo 2019/20 (South Australia)

When we think of Tempranillo, we think of Spain, and in particular, Rioja, but this Tempranillo wine from South Australia adds a little Antipodean twist to proceedings. Produced by Yalumba winery, one of Australia’s oldest wineries, founded by Englishman Samuel Smith in 1849, this is a deliciously smooth wine which can be enjoyed by itself, and goes really well with duck or lamb.

With aromas of cranberry, cherry and bramble on the nose, and flavours of blackberry and plum, with a hint of chocolate and spice, on the palate, this is a balanced wine with a long finish which is guaranteed to brighten up your day.

Available from Majestic (£9.49, Mix Six £7.49)

Wine of the Month: A wine produced in Cambridge from grapes grown in Essex

Gutter & Stars, Strange News from Another Star, Bacchus 2021 (Cambridge)

This is an outstanding Bacchus wine from Gutter & Stars urban winery in Cambridge. Produced from grapes grown in the Crouch Valley in Essex, the wine was awarded ‘Bacchus of the Year’ last year. And deservedly so.

A refreshing, crisp wine with aromas of jasmine, apple and citrus fruits on the nose, and green apple with subtle hints of peach and minerality on the palate. This is a well-balanced wine which can be enjoyed by itself, with seafood, white meat, a vegetable dish or light risotto. 

Available from Gutter & Stars and Grape Britannia (£22-£24)

History in a glass: Commandaria, one of the world’s oldest wines

Keo St John’s Commandaria (Cyprus)

Though it is not easy to find Commandaria in the UK, it is well worth tracking down!

This luscious Cypriot dessert wine has a history dating back to the Crusades and is produced from the indigenous grape varieties Mavro and Xynisteri grown on the slopes of the Troodos Mountains and dried in the sun for ten days before they are pressed. 

With aromas of dried fruit and spices, and flavours of caramel, honey and nuts, this is an outstanding dessert wine. 

Enjoy it by itself, with cheese or desserts. We had it with tiramisu – heavenly!

Available from Aspris & Son and Drink Supermarket (£11.79, 50cl.)

A little winter sunshine from Crete …

Lyrarakis Assyrtiko 2021 (Crete)

If you’re looking for a little winter sunshine to brighten up these grey January days, this Assyrtiko white wine from Crete is just the ticket. 

This is a dry wine with a crisp, refreshing acidity. It has pronounced aromas of honey, together with apple and peach, on the nose, and flavours of apple, pear and peach on the palate. 

It is a well-balanced, medium-bodied wine with a long finish that can be enjoyed as an apéritif, and is also an excellent match for a seafood or chicken dish.

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

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