Selected reds, whites and sparkling wines – perfect for this time of year from your local wine specialists in Borough
1. DOMAINE LA TOUR BOISÉE MARIELLE & FRÉDERIQUE 2014
Minervois, France
£10.32
A well-balanced blend of four red grape varieties, Carignan, Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, which are grown on vines at least 40 years old, giving intensity and richness to their flavours. The grapes are typical of the Minervois region and as such have a soft warm fruitiness that evokes sunny summers in the south of France. The wine has aromas of fresh berry fruit, and the taste follows on with blackberry, plum and berry compote flavours. Full-bodied and a bit earthy, with good structure and easy-going tannins; this is a versatile wine that works well on its own and matches well with meat of most persuasions.
RIVER Reader Price: £9.29
2. SANTOMAS REFOSK 2014
Slovenia
£11.87
In preparation, fully ripe grapes are manually harvested and sorted to remove any green parts, and are then fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. A ruby red wine full of wild berry aromas, especially blueberry and blackberry, with soft tannins and a smooth texture. Raspberry on the palate, with a hint of warmth coming from white pepper and plum flavours.
RIVER Reader Price: £10.68
3. AGOSTINO FINCA MALBEC 2012
Argentina
£15.32
A rich red colour and an equally rich aroma of ripe dark fruit – blackberry, plum, black cherry and the like – are the first things to notice about this wine. The fresh fruit is offset by hints of vanilla and coffee gained from the 10 months the wine has spent in French oak barrels, and all together creates something that tastes intense and full from start to finish. There’s a lot going on, and all of it is good – this is complex and well structured, with enjoyable tannins and acidity, ending in a strong finish. Ideal for red meat.
RIVER Reader Price: £13.79
1. ZUAZO GASTON RIOJA BLANCO
Spain
£9.20
An uncommon white made entirely from the Viura grape, by a method that extracts as much varietal flavour as possible. As such it has plenty of fruit, both in the aroma and the taste, with stoney fruits such as peach and white blossom leading the way. There is some zestiness of lemon and orange peel to keep it crisp, but the style of the wine is such that it feels fuller in the mouth, with an almost waxy weight and a richness that means it goes well with vegetarian dishes, fish, white meats and creamy-style dishes like pasta carbonara.
RIVER Reader Price: £8.28
2. ALBERT SELTZ CREMANT D’ALSACE
Alsace, France
£15.55
The festive season is nigh, and this Crémant is a great alternative to Champagne, especially for those who prefer their bubbles to be dry or unsweetened in style.
Made in the traditional method, this is a blend of Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois with what is known as ‘a fine lively mousse’, or a good quality sparkle. It has the classic citrus fruit and white bread toast aroma, and has been aged for a minimum of 9 months on lees to give it a biscuity, nutty character. On the palate it is dry, quite full and rich with a good finish, with enough presence to work on its own or with food.
RIVER Reader Price: £13.99
3. WAIPARA WEST LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2011
New Zealand
£14.17
More bright and tropical than it is thick and marmaladey, this sweet wine has strong notes of pineapple and lemon zest, as well as floral and honey flavours. It has quite a zingy acidity that keeps it tasting fresh rather than unctuous, and food-wise goes best with slightly lighter deserts – baked cheesecake, for example, or apple/pear tarts – although it can also stand up to richer fruit puddings.
RIVER Reader Price: £12.75
020 7357 7788
www.lantstreetwine.com
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