Am I the only one here who doesn't particularly enjoy NZ whites? I find them overpriced and with a bit of a sour taste. I prefer Italian whites. I like a bit of Pinot grigio, frascsti, soave, but my all time favourite is verdicchio
@McBobbin Given what you like, it's little wonder you find NZ whites a bit sour. That's not to denigrate your choices, only saying you have a particular palate. If you want a bit of a change, try a medium chenin blanc from the Loire - for example a Vouvray, but check the label or talk to the shop assistant as Loire chenin blanc comes in all styles.
Thanks! We all like different stuff, and I'll certainly give your recommendation a try. Worst case scenario is that I'll drink a bottle of wine
remarkable difference for robust reds decanting for 30 minutes. if a restaurant is charging you 30 quid plus for a heavy red, insist on them decanting it.
Absolutely. Actually matters more for young reds than for heavy of expensive ones.
Second big tip - serve your wines at the right temperature. Most people serve reds too warm and whites too cold. Reds should be cellar temperature, not room (light reds a bit cooler). Whites should be taken out of the fridge at least half an hour before drinking.
Some exceptions.
Champagne, don't even put it in the fridge, use a bucket of ice and water.
Sherry, best kept at around 4/5°C.
White dessert wine, similar to sherry or perhaps a touch colder. As for red dessert wine, I'm not even sure you should consider drinking it.
i've bought a bottle of Luxembourg Chateau Schengen (yes, that Schengen) Auxerrois at the airport - got no idea what it is, it was just to get rid of the Euro change i had, and it was the cheapest at 8 euros. I'll let you know what its like.
Hi President. Auxerrois is usually blended with Pinot Blanc, in still or in cremant d'alsace. I usually steer clear of airport buying as they're expensive and often middle of the road big producers. Don't judge it on your bottle... although cheaper blends from Alsace I find better than cheap Alsace bottles of the noble grapes.
For Prague... Wurtemberg do schwarzreisling and Trollinger: Also known as Pinot Meunier. They're very light and can feel almost floral effervescent: don't think they bottle in spritz style though. It sounds they'll be completely not your thing.
I can second Theatre of Wine. Used to live round the corner from them, and always had great producers coupled with unusual wines. The wine shop in Rochester is good but relies a lot on big producers/negotiants like Louis Jadot: Not bad they've done bloody well and cater for their market, just Medway is culturally not far off the Costa Del Sol and impossible to sell more diverse wine.
One supermarket wine I have enjoyed is Sainsbury's finest Alsace Gewurtztraminer at £8. Makes a change from the more usual fare, and is a very good week night wine.
i've bought a bottle of Luxembourg Chateau Schengen (yes, that Schengen) Auxerrois at the airport - got no idea what it is, it was just to get rid of the Euro change i had, and it was the cheapest at 8 euros. I'll let you know what its like.
Portuguese wine is fantastic. But most vinyards don't produce enough to supply the UK supermarkets demands, so you can only get it via specialists like the aforementioned Laithwaites, Naked Wines etc. Alentejo is particularly good (the region north of Algarve). Cartuxa is an excellent red, but quite expensive for here at €15 a bottle. Currently quaffing Terra de Lenta at the reduced price of €2.99 a bottle. Planalto is a nice crisp white. Casal Mendes is the best run-of-the-mill rose.
But there are literally hundreds of Portuguese wines, it's an absolute paradise for finding new, quality wine. Last year at the Albufeira Wine Festival I tried a Rose from the Azores, where the vines are grown on slopes leading down to the sea, called Rose Volcanico. You could actually taste the saltiness, which people either seemed to love, or hate (I loved it).
The festival this year is from May 5th to 8th. Cannot wait!
I've had the Humbrecht gewurz out of those three specific wines - it is amazing for the price. I'll give the other two a go soon.
Zind's entry level wines are sometimes called Reserve in this country. The Gewurz is the pick of the bunch, the rest are not bad not stellar: Riesling really needs quality grapes whatever style you have it as, but much more so in the dry style. Around autumn in this country the Calcaire's get released - some merchants earlier - if you see one get it. It's their diffusion line and whatever lieu-dit or top sites he declassifies, he puts those grapes in the Calcaire: usually from 2-3 sites. You get a wine for £15-£20 equal to multi-multi-site wines that are £30-£40 from Hugel and Trimbach. Alsace isn't really an area where sub £10 wines shine through. apart from light, fun and fruity Eidelzwickers/Gentils or Cremant D'Alsaces when you're out there.
Well tonight I am drinking an English white; "Bacchus" from Lyme Bay Winery. It is pretty decent. 11% alcohol (I remember when that was the standard), the label says notes of grapefruit (yes) nettle and elderflower (possibly but since I never knowingly consumed either, I can't confirm). I paid £7 for it, and at this price I would say it's well worth trying.
I got it as part of a case of English (otherwise sparkling) wines from Premium English Wines. Can't speak too highly of the service, and the young lady who runs it obvioulsy wants to be an ambassador for English wines. I haven't tried most of them yet, bar a bottle of Chapel Down, as I planning to ambush a few champagne quaffing friends with a blind taste test. Anyone else into English wines?
Wow Bacchus at 7 quid. Personally I prefer this style in England, but over here with duty 10 quid is cheap for that.
Chapel Down has Auxerois in the blend, it's often lighter than champagne apart from their vintage champagne styles. Still I'd happily drink it past most leading NV champers.
Wow Bacchus at 7 quid. Personally I prefer this style in England, but over here with duty 10 quid is cheap for that.
Chapel Down has Auxerois in the blend, it's often lighter than champagne apart from their vintage champagne styles. Still I'd happily drink it past most leading NV champers.
Got it from England mate ! From the lady whose operation I link to above. It was her special offer in a mixed case of otherwise sparklers, and of course I had to pay delivery on top. But if I was in the UK I would definitely buy more from her, even though some of the better known bottles she has would cost £3-4 less in Waitrose.
Well tonight I am drinking an English white; "Bacchus" from Lyme Bay Winery. It is pretty decent. 11% alcohol (I remember when that was the standard), the label says notes of grapefruit (yes) nettle and elderflower (possibly but since I never knowingly consumed either, I can't confirm). I paid £7 for it, and at this price I would say it's well worth trying.
I got it as part of a case of English (otherwise sparkling) wines from Premium English Wines. Can't speak too highly of the service, and the young lady who runs it obvioulsy wants to be an ambassador for English wines. I haven't tried most of them yet, bar a bottle of Chapel Down, as I planning to ambush a few champagne quaffing friends with a blind taste test. Anyone else into English wines?
Ridgeview fizz is excellent value for money IMO. It has previously won the world's best sparkling wine (incl Champagne) award. You tend to get a vintage for around the same price as a NV champers. Laithwaites have a deal with them and sell (exclusively, I think) a bottle branded South Ridge. If it's on offer, I've always thought it was a worthy alternative to the mundane French stuff. That's not to say it's up there with a Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque or a vintage Pol Roger but they're only produced in exceptional years anyway and cost serious dosh.
Nyetimber Vintage is excellent. Their Vintage Rose is unbelievable. But unfortunately like a few of them the vintages of 2012 and 2013 were so bad it justified them moving to a NV release. If you're in a shit Waitrose or crap wine shop check out what they have, and you may be getting a vintage 09 or 2010 for the price of their non-vintage. They're vintage always needed and additional 2 years in bottle to round out the fruit and highlight the yeasty notes.
And before anyone asks....... Unlike their vintage the NV is not as good, but rewards immediate drinking: That's why Jukes, Jancis Robinson and Tim Atkin rate it higher, but the Rose NV is a pale immitation. If you get hold of their Blanc de Blanc '03 or '96 they absolutely destroy Pol Roger Vintage, Ruinart BdB, Taitinger Les Comtes and Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle at the same or half the price.
Cheers for the tip Prague. I'll look in on them if I'm passing.
Also endorse Nyetimber, great producer. The wine societys own label English sparkler is very decent too at 21quid. I'm not a massive fan of Bacchus personally
Yeh nyetimber. TOW had it, blimey must be 10-12 years ago. £9 a bottle it was I think, certainly a lot cheaper than what it goes for now.
I tend to prefer heavier, more complex champagnes and they are blooming expensive. I would recommend Cremant de Bourgogne as an alternative. I usually take either a CdB or a Prosecco if you want a decent sparkler sub-20 notes.
Absoluely agree calydon. I prefer heavier champagnes as well. As for lighter styles like Laurent Perrier I always enjoy but with my money would buy a Cremant de Loire every time: I love Chenin Blanc from the Loire.
I think in champagne the only one of the leading marks that's worth it is Bollinger Grand Anee. Real considered wine-making goes into it, and at it's price there's nothing to compare in terms of complexity and quality: If you ever get a chance to go round their vineyards, cellars and cooperage grab it. They're only for private tours, but unlike all the other top houses their a beautiful mix of artisanal and modernity. If you are in Ay their main chateau, not Lilly Bollinger's, just below it is ungrafted vines used in their Vielles Vigne Francais which you can see but not touch: And in answer to the question of prices, No I can't afford it. Plus their UK suppliers Metzendorf are really nice people. How a company can be run for the good of most, with outstanding wines. As for the Taitinger's those smug fascist bourgeois.... more arrogant than Eric Cantonna on Prozac.
I tried Vilmart & Cie NV recently and they're also oaked champagnes, and worth it. Still I stick to Cremant as that's really what I like and can afford.
Well tonight I am drinking an English white; "Bacchus" from Lyme Bay Winery. It is pretty decent. 11% alcohol (I remember when that was the standard), the label says notes of grapefruit (yes) nettle and elderflower (possibly but since I never knowingly consumed either, I can't confirm). I paid £7 for it, and at this price I would say it's well worth trying.
I got it as part of a case of English (otherwise sparkling) wines from Premium English Wines. Can't speak too highly of the service, and the young lady who runs it obvioulsy wants to be an ambassador for English wines. I haven't tried most of them yet, bar a bottle of Chapel Down, as I planning to ambush a few champagne quaffing friends with a blind taste test. Anyone else into English wines?
English sparkling wine can be great. Not cheap but when it's at its best it knocks the spots off champers at the same price.
What a wonderful thread this is. I thought i knew summat about wine, but clearly i know bugger all in comparison to some of you lot - i've learnt a lot. When i lived in Cape Town, i used to live within walking distance of one of what they call the small 5 vineyards in the city...Constantia Uitsig, and they do wonderful white wines - anybody with experience of SA wines?
Fully agree with @Algarveaddick . Portuguese reds are excellent (some of which I have drunk with him) and you can get quite a few over here these days.
Had a great day out visiting vineyards of the Robertson Valley in S.A. a while ago. Been a massive fan of Springfield ever since - independent producer using old fashioned methods. Their Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnays are fantastic imho.
Am I the only one here who doesn't particularly enjoy NZ whites? I find them overpriced and with a bit of a sour taste. I prefer Italian whites. I like a bit of Pinot grigio, frascsti, soave, but my all time favourite is verdicchio
@McBobbin Given what you like, it's little wonder you find NZ whites a bit sour. That's not to denigrate your choices, only saying you have a particular palate. If you want a bit of a change, try a medium chenin blanc from the Loire - for example a Vouvray, but check the label or talk to the shop assistant as Loire chenin blanc comes in all styles.
Thanks! We all like different stuff, and I'll certainly give your recommendation a try. Worst case scenario is that I'll drink a bottle of wine
Thanks @AddicksAddict I'm currently sampling Tesco's Vouvray. It's nice. Bit sweeter than i normally like but very drinkable!
Am I the only one here who doesn't particularly enjoy NZ whites? I find them overpriced and with a bit of a sour taste. I prefer Italian whites. I like a bit of Pinot grigio, frascsti, soave, but my all time favourite is verdicchio
@McBobbin Given what you like, it's little wonder you find NZ whites a bit sour. That's not to denigrate your choices, only saying you have a particular palate. If you want a bit of a change, try a medium chenin blanc from the Loire - for example a Vouvray, but check the label or talk to the shop assistant as Loire chenin blanc comes in all styles.
Thanks! We all like different stuff, and I'll certainly give your recommendation a try. Worst case scenario is that I'll drink a bottle of wine
Thanks @AddicksAddict I'm currently sampling Tesco's Vouvray. It's nice. Bit sweeter than i normally like but very drinkable!
@McBobbin Glad to hear you've branched out. You should be able to dig up a Vouvray a bit drier than the one you've got. After trying enough bottles, hopefully you'll find your favourite!
Had a great day out visiting vineyards of the Robertson Valley in S.A. a while ago. Been a massive fan of Springfield ever since - independent producer using old fashioned methods. Their Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnays are fantastic imho.
Fortunately I am nursing a bottle of each of the two champagnes you mention, for a special occasion (which looks like it won't be football related). The Belle Epoque is a 2004 which I got at a good price from Pernod Ricard. The Bollinger Grand Annee is a 1999.
According to Cellar Tracker both should be at their best until 2020. Would you agree?
Comments
Champagne, don't even put it in the fridge, use a bucket of ice and water.
Sherry, best kept at around 4/5°C.
White dessert wine, similar to sherry or perhaps a touch colder. As for red dessert wine, I'm not even sure you should consider drinking it.
I'll let you know what its like.
For Prague... Wurtemberg do schwarzreisling and Trollinger: Also known as Pinot Meunier. They're very light and can feel almost floral effervescent: don't think they bottle in spritz style though. It sounds they'll be completely not your thing.
I can second Theatre of Wine. Used to live round the corner from them, and always had great producers coupled with unusual wines. The wine shop in Rochester is good but relies a lot on big producers/negotiants like Louis Jadot: Not bad they've done bloody well and cater for their market, just Medway is culturally not far off the Costa Del Sol and impossible to sell more diverse wine.
But there are literally hundreds of Portuguese wines, it's an absolute paradise for finding new, quality wine. Last year at the Albufeira Wine Festival I tried a Rose from the Azores, where the vines are grown on slopes leading down to the sea, called Rose Volcanico. You could actually taste the saltiness, which people either seemed to love, or hate (I loved it).
The festival this year is from May 5th to 8th. Cannot wait!
I got it as part of a case of English (otherwise sparkling) wines from Premium English Wines. Can't speak too highly of the service, and the young lady who runs it obvioulsy wants to be an ambassador for English wines. I haven't tried most of them yet, bar a bottle of Chapel Down, as I planning to ambush a few champagne quaffing friends with a blind taste test. Anyone else into English wines?
Chapel Down has Auxerois in the blend, it's often lighter than champagne apart from their vintage champagne styles. Still I'd happily drink it past most leading NV champers.
And before anyone asks....... Unlike their vintage the NV is not as good, but rewards immediate drinking: That's why Jukes, Jancis Robinson and Tim Atkin rate it higher, but the Rose NV is a pale immitation. If you get hold of their Blanc de Blanc '03 or '96 they absolutely destroy Pol Roger Vintage, Ruinart BdB, Taitinger Les Comtes and Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle at the same or half the price.
Cheers for the tip Prague. I'll look in on them if I'm passing.
I tend to prefer heavier, more complex champagnes and they are blooming expensive. I would recommend Cremant de Bourgogne as an alternative. I usually take either a CdB or a Prosecco if you want a decent sparkler sub-20 notes.
I think in champagne the only one of the leading marks that's worth it is Bollinger Grand Anee. Real considered wine-making goes into it, and at it's price there's nothing to compare in terms of complexity and quality: If you ever get a chance to go round their vineyards, cellars and cooperage grab it. They're only for private tours, but unlike all the other top houses their a beautiful mix of artisanal and modernity. If you are in Ay their main chateau, not Lilly Bollinger's, just below it is ungrafted vines used in their Vielles Vigne Francais which you can see but not touch: And in answer to the question of prices, No I can't afford it. Plus their UK suppliers Metzendorf are really nice people. How a company can be run for the good of most, with outstanding wines. As for the Taitinger's those smug fascist bourgeois.... more arrogant than Eric Cantonna on Prozac.
I tried Vilmart & Cie NV recently and they're also oaked champagnes, and worth it. Still I stick to Cremant as that's really what I like and can afford.
I thought i knew summat about wine, but clearly i know bugger all in comparison to some of you lot - i've learnt a lot.
When i lived in Cape Town, i used to live within walking distance of one of what they call the small 5 vineyards in the city...Constantia Uitsig, and they do wonderful white wines - anybody with experience of SA wines?
Fortunately I am nursing a bottle of each of the two champagnes you mention, for a special occasion (which looks like it won't be football related). The Belle Epoque is a 2004 which I got at a good price from Pernod Ricard. The Bollinger Grand Annee is a 1999.
According to Cellar Tracker both should be at their best until 2020. Would you agree?