WINNING
REVIEWED BY WES GAME
SOUTH AFRICA
The Huguenot , Chenin Blanc
SPAIN
Nino De Las Uvas , Monastrell
Laithwaites/
Sunday Times wine club £9-10
Vivino/Laithwaites - £10
Many Huguenots (French Protestants) fled
persecution in the 17th Century, some of which
arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in South
Africa. They brought with them their gift of fine
wine. This wine honours their contribution to
the Franschloek region. The wine maker uses
a special yeast to slow fermentation to capture
its delicate flavours of apple, peach and passion
fruit. Refreshing and light with a crisp finish. A
fine example of a South African Chenin Blanc.
From the remote town of Bullas in South East
Spain, this wine takes its name from a recent
excavation of a complete statue of a “child with
grapes” or “Nino de las uvas”. Small ancient
bush vines produce a small berried grape that
gives an intense and rich wine. Monastrell
(called Mouvedre is other countries) produces
rich black fruit flavours with spices and a hint of
chocolate. The intense flavours make it ideal
with roast dinners, duck or lamb stew. Very
stylish and worth a try over the winter months.
ITALY
Nebbiolo d’Alba, Nebbiolo
ENGLAND
South Ridge, Ditchling
Laithwaites - £10-12
Ridgeview Wines/Appleyard
Debenhams/Laithwaites £20-25
Nebbiolo is on of Italy’s “noble” grapes and
is responsible for the premium reds of Barolo
and Barbaresco in the Piedmont area of North
West Italy. Grown near the Alba River, which
has a cooling effect in the summer, the grapes
ripen late in the autumn. This adds to complex,
smooth fruit flavours and more medium bodied.
With only 12 months in large oak barrels,
this adds subtle flavours rather than big and
powerful. Lighter than a Barolo, the strawberry
and raspberry flavours shine through. A more
elegant subtle wine for pre-dinner drinks?
Ridgeview Wines was founded in 1994 with the
aim of creating world class sparkling wines to
compete with the Champagne region as the
South Downs are on the same chalk/soils. Made
with the 3 traditional grape types (Chardonnay,
Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier), this elegant “Sussex
Sparkling” can compete with well known brands.
Pale gold in colour with fine bubbles, the flavours
are very light with a hint of toasted brioch e. Ideal
as an aperitif or with salads. Who needs an
excuse to celebrate?
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