Out & About Autumn 2019

Out&About food & drink

For ordering online, here is a selection from www.laithwaites.co.uk

Flor de San Martín Garnacha Blanca 2018 Normally £8.99 but £7.99 as part of a mixed box A great wedding wine, and not just because of the label. As bright and refreshing as its label would imply, this is Garnacha Blanca from Navarra’s high mountain vineyards. That means poor soils, pure sunshine, clear nights and wines that sing with freshness. Lemon crisp with a lifted herbal, floral aroma.

Bees Knees Chenin Blanc Viognier 2018 Western Cape Normally £10.99 but £9.89 as part of a mixed 12 box This zesty white’s causing quite a buzz with its brilliant lemon fruit with the more exotic lychee, spice and honeysuckle notes of the Viognier. It’s from the talented Gabb family who’ve pioneered South African wines for the last three decades.

Castel del Lago Bianco 2017 Normally £9.99 but £8.99 as part of a mixed box

Il Papavero NV Normally £7.99 but £6.99 as part of a mixed box

A best-selling wedding wine. A crisp white with creamy weight, Castel del Lago employs Soave’s Garganega with a dash of Chardonnay. From vineyards overlooking beautiful Lake Garda, the grapes are well ripened, adding ripe peach and apricot notes to this brilliant 95-point white.

If we had to rely on a single wine to capture the essence of Italy, it would be Il Papavero. Every year it comprises grapes from the country’s best-performing vineyards for consistently brilliant results. Supple, fruity and packed with character.

And Haynes Clark Hanson, Whitchurch, have some celebratory suggestions

Château Malbat, Bordeaux 2016 £9.60 per btl/ £8.50 per btl/case Predominantly Merlot, there is a pinch of Cabernet Sauvignon to bring structure to the wine. The colour is a bright purple-ruby, with dense, ripe blackcurrant aromas. This is a splendid wine with rich fruitiness and ample depth. The finish is bright and attractive.

Ladera Verde Merlot, Central Valley, Chile 2018 £6.80 per btl/ £6.05 per btl/case From Chile’s Central Valley, this is a rounded, medium-bodied, easy-drinking Merlot, being full of pure black fruit and plum flavours. The finish is fresh and ripe.

Mâcon-Prissé, Vignerons des Terres Secrètes 2017 £12.60 per btl/ £11.20 per btl/case The vineyards for our Macon-Prissé contain a high content of calcareous clay that contributes to the weight and texture of the wines. This 2017 vintage has ample fruit, including ripe peach and fresh apricot. The aromas are floral and intense, with lovely creamy textures and a broad, open, attractive style. The finish is harmonious and crisp, showing perfect balance.

Freedom Cross Chenin Blanc, Franschhoek Cellar 2018 £7.60 per btl/ £6.75 per btl/case This is a bright, lively wine that is packed with lemony freshness. Chenin Blanc thrives in South Africa and this particular example offers stunning value for money. Fruity, crisp and vibrant.

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O&A AUTUMN 2019