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.

Thursday 21 November 2013

The Garden Route 2012 South Africa


What better way to celebrate a birthday than to have a good old fashioned Chinese Takeaway meal, great company, super food and what an amazing wine? Love The Garden Route, great name, great label from http://Tesco.com. A really tasty Shiraz from the Western Cape of South Africa. Obviously I've had a few wines from South Africa but this one has to count as one of the smoothest, mellowest, most delicious in a long while. It is 14.5%  which was remarked upon by fellow imbibers - and certainly held the glass well with a great purple aroma plus hints of dark berry. Sadly Birthday Girl herself still remains too young to enjoy anything stronger than a sniff from the edge of the bottle but we adults raised our glasses with glee as the prawn crackers disappeared. I'll be recommending this one on my next podcast, don't forget to check out the latest podcast at http://winedrinkerme.com




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  . . . .