At last - the recipe is here to share - mulled wine as it should be enjoyed. Ideally on Christmas Eve after Christingle (or indeed anytime thereafter until March 31st)
Got the right wines, little Malbec, drop of left over (gasp) Merlot. Just checking the quantity of cloves and will be right back . ..
Tuesday, 7 January 2014
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
BORDEAUX ‘GEM’ ADDED TO THE CO-OPERATIVE FOOD’S WINE RANGE
The Co-operative Food has become the first major retailer to list the stunning Clos Floridene 2012, topping off its spectacular Christmas wine offering at the great-value price of £16.99. Fresh and delicious with gentle lime citrus, grapefruit peel, and a hint of gooseberry, it's the perfect accompaniment to all things festive.
Produced by renowned Bordeaux winemaker and scientist, Denis Dubourdieu, this is a dry blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 47% Semillon and 3% Muscadelle, with intense fruity aromas of white peach, lemon and grapefruit. I love it and can't stop recommending it. I am not and probably never will be a great white wine drinker, always preferring red but this has got to be a great reason for considering conversion. While we're talking about best recommendations for the festivities ahead, why not reach for a bottle (or two) of Calvet Cahors Malbec - from Tesco - an excellent choice for turning up for dinner at friends, will go down well I promise. Also from Tesco - Cono Sur Bicileta Pinot Noir, a Chilean light fruitiness, just right for the party season.
Lastly but not leastly - another Cooperative offering - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, from their Truly Irresistible range - a wonderful well rounded, plummy Italian red. Enjoy. And think about getting those decorations down from the attic. . . .
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Barefoot Pink Moscato 2013*
Barefoot Pink Moscato 2013*
Hmmn not often I really don't 'get' something but you've got to say what you feel and I am nothing if not honest. Was looking forward to this particular gem which has nestled pride of place in the fridge for a few days now. Coaxed it out to try alongside the Doctor Who episode on Saturday (all treats together, David Tennant and all) and what a disappointment. (the rose - although to be honest the episode had a few bits lacking/confusing/anti-climax)
Barefoot Pink Moscato looks extremely pretty - has a good little element of effervescence - but tastes like a home made elderflower wine served by an 'amateur home wine maker' despite my serving it in a delicate Waterford crystal glass at almost icy. http://waterford.royaldesign.co.uk . At 9% it would be a good party wine so you could potentially drink loads of it but I certainly couldn't drink more than one and so swiftly went back to my beloved red in the form of Tesco's finest Swartland Pinotage. A plummy warm and well rounded sup, served at just above room temperature. This is something I've been doing more of recently. Not heating the wine exactly - it's not Christmas yet, mulled wine and that, (wait til you try my recipe for mulled wine) - but bringing it up past room temperature by placing the bottle near a source of heat, heathen that I am. Actually a friend of mine had a good Tempranillo the other day in a London hotel and it was served warm and delicious (wonder how they heat it professionally). I digress, the Swartland Pinotage was terrific, part of Tesco's finest range and well recommended. http://tesco.com/wine
Perhaps a Waterford crystal red wine goblet would improve this even more?
Sainsbury’s Red Burgundy 2011 from The Winemakers Selection was by contrast a little tart (maybe should have done my warmy trick, to eager to try it perhaps?) Still, it held well, at 12.5% and was light and fruity. Good value too at £7.99. http://sainsburys.co.uk
A man of words and never deeds is like a garden full of weeds.
Hmmn not often I really don't 'get' something but you've got to say what you feel and I am nothing if not honest. Was looking forward to this particular gem which has nestled pride of place in the fridge for a few days now. Coaxed it out to try alongside the Doctor Who episode on Saturday (all treats together, David Tennant and all) and what a disappointment. (the rose - although to be honest the episode had a few bits lacking/confusing/anti-climax)
Barefoot Pink Moscato looks extremely pretty - has a good little element of effervescence - but tastes like a home made elderflower wine served by an 'amateur home wine maker' despite my serving it in a delicate Waterford crystal glass at almost icy. http://waterford.royaldesign.co.uk . At 9% it would be a good party wine so you could potentially drink loads of it but I certainly couldn't drink more than one and so swiftly went back to my beloved red in the form of Tesco's finest Swartland Pinotage. A plummy warm and well rounded sup, served at just above room temperature. This is something I've been doing more of recently. Not heating the wine exactly - it's not Christmas yet, mulled wine and that, (wait til you try my recipe for mulled wine) - but bringing it up past room temperature by placing the bottle near a source of heat, heathen that I am. Actually a friend of mine had a good Tempranillo the other day in a London hotel and it was served warm and delicious (wonder how they heat it professionally). I digress, the Swartland Pinotage was terrific, part of Tesco's finest range and well recommended. http://tesco.com/wine
Perhaps a Waterford crystal red wine goblet would improve this even more?
Sainsbury’s Red Burgundy 2011 from The Winemakers Selection was by contrast a little tart (maybe should have done my warmy trick, to eager to try it perhaps?) Still, it held well, at 12.5% and was light and fruity. Good value too at £7.99. http://sainsburys.co.uk
A man of words and never deeds is like a garden full of weeds.
Thursday, 21 November 2013
The Garden Route 2012 South Africa
Some great wines recommended on my 'Wine of the Week' slot with Rod Lucas http://bsj.fm I can't wait and even more musings http://BestSmoothWines.com
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2012
Having enjoyed a truly great bottle of Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2012 last night from The Co-operative Truly Irresistible range, I must say that's one to include on your Christmas list. At only £6.99 a bottle at the moment - as it's on special offer - you could even share a little with Santa himself (just a little mind, he has a job to do and it is 13.5%). Will be extolling the delights of old 'Monte' along with numerous others on this week's podcast. links to follow - and check out the pretty arrangement below. Can't wait . . . .
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
So sticking with the best the Co Operative has on offer at the moment, I must enthuse about the Luis Felipe Edwards, absolutely love it. As recently reviewed on Rod Lucas's Best Smooth Jazz show this week, we love the 'warmth' of it's shiraz flavours. It's a Shiraz Carmenere from Chile and there's another version of this particular grape variety that am hoping to try next week. (What a job but someone has to do it.)
Terrific with a gorgeous Danish Blue and warm home baked bread or just on it's own. I do think it's a great choice while the weather struggles into Spring . . .
Angie J Walker
Wine Reviewer
Terrific with a gorgeous Danish Blue and warm home baked bread or just on it's own. I do think it's a great choice while the weather struggles into Spring . . .
Angie J Walker
Wine Reviewer
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
The Co-operative South African Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 www.co-operative.coop
So yesterday enjoyed a fantastic Smooth red (from the Co Op again) - on the Smooth Jazz Show with Rod Lucas. Check out http://bsj.fm
Am a great fan of South African wines, this one is so reasonably priced in Co Op for £4.79. and we both felt it was smooth and well rounded but still fruity and distinctly blackcurranty. Not too heavy. I would've thought it'd be a good partner for meaty pasta dishes, again with some cheese sprinkled.
A real treat, would definitely drink it again, I do feel you can't go far wrong with a South African and am looking forward to the rose version in due course. The grapes below are Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (just for interest, I'd wondered if they looked much different from Merlot or Syrah grapes, I guess they probably do, so watch this space and we'll discover together over the next few posts . . . .)
So yesterday enjoyed a fantastic Smooth red (from the Co Op again) - on the Smooth Jazz Show with Rod Lucas. Check out http://bsj.fm
Am a great fan of South African wines, this one is so reasonably priced in Co Op for £4.79. and we both felt it was smooth and well rounded but still fruity and distinctly blackcurranty. Not too heavy. I would've thought it'd be a good partner for meaty pasta dishes, again with some cheese sprinkled.
A real treat, would definitely drink it again, I do feel you can't go far wrong with a South African and am looking forward to the rose version in due course. The grapes below are Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (just for interest, I'd wondered if they looked much different from Merlot or Syrah grapes, I guess they probably do, so watch this space and we'll discover together over the next few posts . . . .)
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