chicken Archives - Page 3 of 3 - It Must Be Wine O'clock

Western Australia – sun, sea and great wine …

The Margaret River region of Western Australia conjures up images of warm sunshine, stunning beaches and great surfing. And of course, a multitude of vineyards. Over 200 in fact, with plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc the most common.

The two last varieties, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, are both widely planted in the region and are often blended together to create a delightful combination with the light, citrussy character of the Semillon complementing the aromatic and fruity nature of the Sauvignon Blanc. This pairing is now one of Margaret River’s signature styles of wine making.

Vasse Felix Classic Semillon Sauvignon 2020, Margaret River

This Vasse Felix blend is produced by one of Western Australia’s pioneering wineries. A dry wine with medium acidity, it has pronounced aromas of peach and nectarine on the nose, and crisp, refreshing flavours of lime, grapefruit and pineapple on the palate. A well-balanced wine with a medium finish, this pairs very well with seafood or chicken, and would also go well with a slightly spicy dish.

Available from Tesco (£12)

Why not try an Australian Riesling this weekend?

Tim Adams Clare Valley Riesling 2020

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. The common denominator is its preference for cooler, more temperate environments, where the longer growing times enable the grapes to retain their characteristic acidity as they ripen. Clare Valley in Australia is one such environment.

And while we might associate Australia with a hot, dry climate, that is only half the story. The warm climate in South Australia’s Clare Valley is tempered by cool afternoon breezes and cold nights and many vineyards are planted at relatively high altitudes of up to 570 metres. This can result in the production of very elegant examples of Riesling, which are dry in style, with lime and citrus aromas, and high acidity.

This Tim Adams Clare Valley Riesling 2020 is a very good example of a fresh, vibrant, refreshing Riesling. It’s a dry wine with quite high acidity and floral characteristics, with lime, grapefruit and apple on the nose, and peach flavours with a slight minerality on the palate. It has a long finish and can be drunk by itself or with seafood, salad or chicken dish.

Available from Tesco (£10)

Diner we befuddled – with this? (3,4). Crossword clue.

Answer at foot of page

Three good value, medium bodied red wines to tempt your palate this week – two Old World wines and one from New Zealand. Enjoy!

Domaine Tavian Brouilly 2019 (Beaujolais)

If you’re looking for a fragrant, well-balanced, medium-bodied Beaujolais to enjoy with a mid-week pasta or chicken dish, this should tick the boxes. Quite well defined aromas of raspberry, candy, red cherry, and a hint of violet, on the nose, and fresh fruity flavours of raspberry and strawberry on the palate. This is a dry wine, with high acidity, medium tannins and a medium finish. A good value Beaujolais. (Waitrose, £12.99)

Mud House Pinot Noir 2019 (Central Otago)

A Pinot Noir from the Central Otago region of New Zealand, this wine has red cherry, raspberry and bramble aromas on the nose, with a hint of peppery spice, and fresh fruit flavours of raspberry and redcurrant on the palate. A balanced wine, medium bodied with medium tannins and a medium finish, this goes well with lamb, or by itself. Majestic Wine £13.99 (£10.99 Mix Six), also available at Waitrose.

Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir, 2019

A youthful Burgundy Pinot Noir with well-defined red fruit aromas of raspberry, redcurrant and red cherry with overtones of cloves, spice and earth on the nose, and quite intense red fruit flavours on the palate. A dry wine, with high acidity and medium tannins, it has medium alcohol and a medium finish. A good wine to pair with lamb or chicken. Majestic Wine £16.99 (£12.99 Mix Six).

Answer to crossword clue: red wine