Posts by Adrian
Feudo Principi di Butera, Insolia Sicilia IGT – Wine of the Month April 2019
I bought this after trying it at the Wines & Spirits Show. I’d never heard of the Insolia grape before but I was very impressed. Pale and light with a fresh apple zest aroma, will be great with fish. Looking forward to putting it on at a forthcoming tasting to see what others think. Available…
Read MoreRiesling – Germany takes a beating
A lot of people associate the Riesling grape with Germany, so the results of the recent Drinks Business Riesling Masters competition were very interesting. In the dry wines category it was Australia’s Eden Valley and Clare Valley that took most of the awards across all price points. In the medium category Canada’s Niagara Peninsula took…
Read MoreFlavium Mencia Premium 2015, Vinos de Arganza – Wine of the Month March 2019
Bierzo is a region that deserves more attention. 100% Mencia grapes aged 18 months in American oak barrels. Parker described the 2012 as “An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. Opulent, rich and lengthy, it has the balance to drink well for 6-8 years. Lively, red ruby colour, on the nose persistent aromas of oak, mature…
Read MoreWines from Spain
I had the pleasure of attending the annual Wines of Spain tasting this week and it reminded me what a fantastic range of wines come out of that country. Thank you to the organisers and exhibitors for putting on such an interesting tasting – I got plenty of ideas for wines to offer clients that…
Read MoreHentley Farm “The Marl” Shiraz 2017 – Wine of the Month February 2019
Wine Australia held an excellent tasting on 22 January. There was a huge choice so nobody could try them all but this was the pick of the bunch from those I tasted. A classic Shiraz from the Barossa Valley – soft tannins, cherry fruit, dark chocolate and distinct black pepper. Shown by Carson Wines.
Read MoreKayra Kalecik Karasi – Wine of the Month January 2019
I make no apologies for my second Turkish WOTM. I served this at a recent tasting and everybody thought it was pinot noir. It’s very light coloured with cherry and plum fruit and a slight smokiness on the finish, very soft tannins. Available from several importers, All About Wine currently sell it for £11.89.
Read MoreRamos Pinto RP10 – Wine of the Month December 2018
This was my favourite tasted over Christmas. This tawny is a blend with an average age of 10 years. Brick-red, with body and its richness of flavour, it’s great with cheese or on its own. Personally I find the 20 and 30 year tawnies lack fruit for my taste so this is ideal. Grapes varieties: Touriga…
Read MoreRocco del Dragone Aglianico – Wine of the Month November 2018
I tried this at a recent tasting and found aglianico to be a pleasant surprise. Deep ruby-red colour, with aromas and flavours of black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and coffee. Fruity, full bodied yet smooth and elegant. £9.99 from Quaff in Hove.
Read MoreHarvey’s Old Ale – Beer of the Month October 2018
Yes, we love beer too, especially this one. A dark, warming brew, burnt sugars and roasted malts compliment the premium Maris Otter barley, supplanting the light bitterness of aroma hops. With hints of dried fruit and dates, this rich ale has been likened to the oak: steadfast throughout the year, regardless of the season. It…
Read MoreMira la Mar Moscatel – Wine of the Month September 2018
Reflecting my enthusiasm for Sherry I was lucky enough to try this at the Great Sherry Tasting. It’s late harvest giving a more approachable, less cloying, style of sweet sherry compared to PX. I have to confess I’ve tended to ignore Moscatel up to now but will be including it in a future tasting. RRP…
Read More