Out & About July 2017

top by

tipples

JAMES ALLEN sets out to lift your spirits with these divine offerings If you feel slightly spooked at the thought of champing, as experienced by Sarah Bosley and her family (p21), then here’s a selection of tipples to give you a bit of Dutch courage and fortify you through the night if you decide to give it a go. Hopefully one or two of these may hit the spot.

Chapel Hill The Prophet Shiraz 2015 Michael Fragos is a former winemaker at first class Tatachilla. Today he heads the 5-Star rated Chapel Hill winery, 10 wines of which James Halliday has awarded 94+. The Prophet is a powerful,

Greyfriars Classic Cuvée A classic blend of the three traditional Champagne varieties creating a delightfully light and crisp wine. This is a great showcase of English

based in Cachapoal. A medium-bodied, fruit- driven style of Cabernet that offers rounded, ripe red berry fruit with a plummy and easy- going feel. Hints of green pepper and subtle oak notes on the nose. £5.49 from Majestic Newbury Abbot Ale

rich and spicy Shiraz. Ripe with dense black fruit, spice, tannic grip and great length. Just in case you doubt its credentials my cousin Peter, who is actually a vicar in McLaren Vale, told me that Chapel Hill was the choice at a meeting of Anglican bishops recently. So what better recommendation for accompanying you on a night in an old church. £22.99 from Laithwaites, Theale

sparkling wine and should not only be saved for special occasions.

For those who fancy a different tipple, this fine ale from Greene King will certainly warm the cockles of your heart. With masses of fruit character, a malty richness and superb hop balance. It is brewed longer to a unique recipe. £19.20 for 12 bottles from Majestic Newbury Well what overnight stay would be complete without the involvement of the ‘Hand of God’? Full flavoured berry fruit, smooth tannins and a long finish. From a distinguished and much lauded winery. £16.99 from Laithwaites, Theale Manus Dei de Sixtine 2015, Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC Mission Estate Greenmeadows Pinot Noir 2014 From New Zealand’s oldest winery (established by monks in 1851) this 2014 Pinot Noir has a bright colour and a sweet floral bouquet of red cherries, strawberry and spicy aromas. The palate is medium bodied and carries an abundance of sweet fruit and ripe silky tannins. The wine has a fine structure with a rich long finish. £14.99 from Laithwaites, Theale

£24.95 from Inn at Home, Newbury

Silver Ghost Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Central Valley, Chile A couple of wines definitely worthy of consideration even for more suggestible souls. Invitingly fruity, offering a juicy citrus and gooseberry backbone overlaid with notes of lime zest and fresh green apples. Crisp acidity provides maximum refreshment. Chill well and enjoy on its own or with simple fresh pasta dishes. £5.49 from Majestic Newbury Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape in Chile, and was among the first of the noble varieties to have been brought over from Europe in the mid-1800s. This example is made by one of the Central Valley’s major wineries,

READER OFFER OFF 15%

15% off all wines, only with this voucher Offer ends July 29, 2017 Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer 151 Bartholomew Street, Newbury



37