Out & About Summer 2021

GRAPESMITH, Hungerford www.grapesmith.co.uk

Out&About food & drink

Zagare Vermentino, Sicily, £8.80 The Vermentino grape is grown all along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and in this case on the south west coast of Sicily near the town of Menfi. A wonderful summer wine, bursting with fragrant lemon notes on the nose, some peach and citrus flavours on the palate and culminates with a slightly saline yet zesty finish.

Gris Marin Camargue, France, £9.80 The Camargue is the largest river delta in Europe. Famous for its feral white horses, red rice and salt marshes, the northern region also produces some fantastic rosé. This is a blend, but predominantly Grenache Gris. A dry wine with wonderful balance of ripe red fruits and lovely acidity. Serve well chilled.

Quinta do Correiro Dao, Portugal, £11.60 The Dao region of Portugal is inland and to the north. Importantly it is high altitude and protected by mountains on three sides. Plenty of rain in the winter and long hot sunny days in the summer, so ideal for growing red grapes. This blends the indigenous red grapes, but the majority is a grape known locally as Jaen – or Mencia in Spain. A great summer red that excels with grilled meats and cheese.

Gerovassiliou Viognier, Greece, £21 This may sound a lot for a bottle of Greek wine, but treat yourself and you won’t be disappointed. Made on a sustainably farmed vineyard in northern Greece, this awarding-winning wine is stunning. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to taste a French Condrieu white wine then you will know how good barrel-aged Viognier can be. Drink with grilled fish or chicken.

Vineyard Cellars www.vineyardcellars.com

Melville Estate Pinor Noir, £42 Light garnet in colour, vivid aromatics of rhubarb, tangerine zest, fresh cranberry and juniper are immediately apparent while intriguing notes of eucalyptus, chanterelle mushroom, plum skin and green tea linger in the background. Focused and precise, with velvety tannins that frame the wines plush core as well as the lengthy and cohesive finish.

2018 J Lohr Estates, £19 Valdiguié is a very large-berried variety, requiring extra vigilance from the Arroyo Seco vineyard crew A great complement to a charcuterie plate of country paté, greek olives, cornichon and hard cheeses.

Honig Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc, £35 The fruit is from select blocks of Honig’s sustainably farmed vineyard in Rutherford, Napa Valley. Forward, fragrant & attractive nose of fresh citrus fruits, lemon

J Vineyards & Winery 2018 Pinot Gris, £19 Approachable and bright, this J California Pinot Gris opens with fragrant aromas of citrus, stonefruitand white florals. Fruit-forward and layered, notes of ripe pear, apricot, white peach and lime on the palate blend with hints of wet river rock and honeysuckle before a crisp finish. Pair this appealing Pinot Gris with grilled fish or chicken, or a creamy chèvre topped with citrus marmalade.

verbena, lime zest and melon, with overtones of floral notes of honeysuckle & lemongrass, and a hint of oak. Light- medium bodied, with a lingering dry finish.

47

O&A SUMMER 2021