P – Palomino
Williams & Humbert Alegria Manzanilla, Spain
Region: Jerez, Spain
ABV: 15%
Palomino is the sherry grape, grown around Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain. It can withstand drought well and produces a reliable crop of slightly low acid, low sugar grapes whose wine may oxidise easily – in short, perfect raw material for sherry. This dry Manzanilla is aged for more than 6 years; it has intense aromas of yeast and nuttiness. Full of flavour and with a salty tang. Brilliant with snacks and tapas.
Waitrose Cellar £7.75 for 37.5cl, equiv to £15.50 bottle
I- Inzolia
Caruso & Minini ‘Tasari’ Inzolia, Terre Siciliane Italy 2021
Region: Sicily, Italy
ABV: 12.5%
Inzolia (also known as Ansonica) is a white variety grown mainly in Sicily and Tuscany. It is most famous for its use in the dessert wine Marsala, but recently growers have started to use it as a dry white, in both blends and a as a single varietal. It is moderately aromatic, with nutty, citrusy character, and some herbal notes. This wine is light-bodied, crisp and fresh, with delicate floral notes, citrus fruit, peach and a hint of salinity on the finish. Perfect as an aperitif, or with light summer salads and quiches.
Amazon £15
J- Juhfark
Kreinbacher Juhfark, Nagi-Somlói Hungary 2024
Region: Nagi-Somlói, Hungary
ABV: 13%
Juhfark is an indigenous Hungarian grape, whose name mean ‘sheep’s tail’ in Hungarian, an allusion to the vine’s distinctive dangling grape clusters. It is primarily grown in Somló region on Northwest Hungary, which is known for its volcanic soils. These give Juhfark strong mineral flavours which complements its bright acidity and citrus notes. This wine has attractive nose of citrus, pear and ripe quince. The palate is nuanced, with notes of herbs and spices, a refreshing acidity and vibrant citrus fruit with a hint of saltiness. The finish is mineral with a soft and rounded mouthfeel. Great with chicken paprika, or schnitzels.
Best of Hungary £20.85
O- Ortega
Bluebell Estates, Ashdown Ortega, England 2020
Region: East Sussex, England
ABV: 12%
Ortega is a German crossing which can ripen spectacularly and is useful in cool years. Varietal examples can lack acid, except in England. This one has bold aromas of apricot and hazelnut lead to flavours of ripe peach, Mirabelle plum and baked apple on the palate. Four months of ageing in old French oak barrels results in a complex wine with a rich mouthfeel and buttery finish which pairs beautifully with herby roast chicken or wild mushroom risotto.
Cellar door purchase from Bluebell Estate £18.95
L- Lambrusco
Tenuta Pederzana Lambrusco Grasparossa della Tradizione, Italy 2023
Region: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
ABV: 11.5%
Lambrusco is an umbrella name for as many as 15 different varieties making often sweet, usually fizzy, usually red in Emilia-Romagna. The wine was traditionally dry and designed for local cuisine. This is the modern reinterpretation of a Castelvetro classic. The typical Morello cherry of Grasparossa and its characteristic vinosity are immediately recognisable. Thanks to its body, the perlage (small due to the long fermentation and prolonged cold rest) blends with the wine giving a sensation of creaminess on the palate. The initial soft and round taste continues in a dry and pleasantly tannic finish which makes it the ideal combination with all fatty foods.
Seven Cellars £23.95
K- Kalecik Karasi
Vinkara, Kalecik Karasi, Turkey 2021
Region: Anatolia, Turkey
ABV: 13.5%
Kalecik Karasi is a dark skinned Turkish grape variety, used in the production of light to medium bodied red wines. It is still virtually unknown outside of Turkey. The variety is primarily grown in North-central Turkey and was on a verge of extinction for many years, until renewed interest in indigenous varieties helped save it. It’s most likely that it derived its name from the town of Kalecik, in the Ankara province. This wine is made in Anatolia, and is a juicy, bright, fresh and lifted example, imbued with hints of raspberry, redcurrants as well as chocolate, it is smooth, subtle and fruity. Lovely with grilled meats, stuffed aubergines or pasta in tomato sauce.
The Wine Society £11.95
N- Nebbiolo
Soumah Yarra Valley Nebbiolo, Australia 2021
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
ABV: 14%
Nebbiolo is traditionally grown in Piemonte, North-West Italy and is used in wines like Barolo; however, the Yarra Valley with its hot but short summer and cool nights throughout is the ideal location for Nebbiolo. This single vineyard wine has a light crimson colour and a bouquet of violets and roses with a spicy tobacco and tar foundation. It is elegant in the mouth with red berry flavours and supportive tannins giving way to great length. Perfect with mushroom risotto or osso buco.
Quaff, Hove £31.49
M- Malvasia
Blandy’s 2017 Harvest Malmsey, Madeira
Region: Madeira
ABV: 19%
Malvasia, sometimes anglicised to Malmsey, is a loosely used name for a range of usually relatively ancient grape varieties, the most famous of which inspires this richest style of Madeira. This wine smells of dried and candied fruits, spices and chocolate, has lingering caramelised sugar flavours, and goes with sticky toffee pudding, fruit cake, ice cream.
Waitrose Cellar £25.25 for 50cl, equiv to £35.35 bottle
Wines accompanied by aged Cheddar and Gouda cheeses, cinnamon roll and crackers.
The group’s favourite wine was the Nebbiolo, followed by the Manzanilla and the Ortega.
