The Co-operativeFood has been named the UK ’s top Ethical Drinks Retailer for the
second year running at the Drinks Retailing Awards 2015.
They were awarded
this prestigious accolade for its market-leading commitment to responsible
retailing of beers, wines and spirits in the UK and I think well deserved.
Since launching the
first own-label Fairtrade mark wine in the UK more than 10 years ago, the retailer has
led the way in the development of Fairtrade and is the UK ’s largest retailer of Fairtrade wine,
selling 52.5% of all Fairtrade wine sold in the UK . The profits have helped to fund invaluable
resources in poverty-stricken communities across the world including running
water, healthcare and education.
Furthermore, the
retailer has reduced its carbon footprint by more than 36% in the last year by
increasing the volume of wine bottled in the UK as well as switching to a lighter weight
glass bottle for many selected lines. The move has saved 4,222 tonnes of CO2
emissions – the equivalent to the electricity needs of 18,759 households for a
year.
In 1996, The
Co-operative led the industry by putting sensible drinking advice on our wines
and spirits, which was in addition to alcohol units. In 1999, they were the
first retailer to label the ingredients in wine. In 2002, the first retailers
to include calorie labelling on alcoholic drinks. We take all this information
for granted now I guess with many brands including the details we need to be
aware of. I'll therefore drink to that.
Rudolfo Griguol, one of Argentina ’s most respected
winemakers, produces The Co Operative's flagship Fairtrade Malbec from high altitude vineyards growing on sandy
alluvial soils in the remote, picturesque Famatina Valley in North West
Argentina. Made from 100% Malbec, the fruit was hand harvested and gently
crushed. Purple red – almost black in colour – and bursting with plum, cherry
and jam aromas, this full bodied wine has sweet but firm tannins with bursts of
chocolate, tobacco and vanilla. Pair with red meat, especially steak, a good
stew this time of year or roast meats.
Rather enjoyed Sainsburys Era Costana Crianza at a family gathering last
week. Deep but fruity enough to savour with all types of food - we had homemade
sausage rolls, hand crafted scotch eggs
(slight variation - had horseradish and beetroot within) - and honey
cinnamon biscuits. Do so love a Rioja and this one didn't disappoint. Also
paired particularly well with own Hummus, basil pasta and charred chicken
salad.
Valentine Day fast approaches, quick - have a couple of samples to try
before the Day itself, perhaps a nice pink rose, Barefoot maybe or a Da Luca Italia, actually think it might just have to be Aldi's Della Italia Prosecco -
watch this space . . .
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