WINNING
REVIEWED BY WES GAME
AUSTRALIA
Black Noble, Semillon FRANCE
Chateauneuf-du Pape, Grenache based
Portland wine £25 Twelve Green Bottles or
The Pip Stop £28
Australia may not be known for dessert wine, but
this is definitely something different. Made from
grapes that have been allowed to rot (noble rot/
botrytis) and then aged for several years in old
oak barrels, this wine is a deep amber colour.
The flavours are hugely concentrated with
aromas of coffee, marmalade and toffee. Whilst
it can be drunk on its own, I would recommend
a rich sweet dessert or even Christmas cake. If
you like a sweet Sauternes, then give this one a
try.
This is a classic Chateauneuf-du Pape made
mainly from Grenache grapes but also Syrah,
Mourvedre and Cinsault to add different flavours.
Up to 13 grape types are allowed within the
blend so there is a great deal of diversity with
this Southern Rhone regional wine. Whilst
medium bodied, it has more flavour that you
expect with fresh strawberries and ripe cherries.
It also have herbaceous undertones and a little
spice. It’s only spent 15-16 months ageing n oak,
so it’s very elegant and should be enjoyed with a
great Sunday roast or some cheese.
NEW ZEALAND
Brancott Estate, Sauvignon Gris ITALY
Pillastro, Primitivo
Tesco £7-9 Laithwaites £9-10.
I have to admit that I hadn’t heard of Sauvignon
Gris when I say this wine, so I had to try it.
Although it shares a passing resemblance to
the characters associated with both Sauvignon
Blanc and Pinot Gris, it is not a blend of these
wines, but rather a variety in its own right that
is still grown in Bordeaux. The Brancott Estate
was established in the 1970’s but only produced
its first Sauvignon Gris in 2009. You would
expect crisp citrus flavours from a Marlborough
wine and it does not disappoint. It also has
more delicate flavours of nectarine, peach and
pineapples. I was pleasantly surprised and
recommend that this is one to watch. For under
£10 it’s well worth a try. 2016 saw Italy overtake France to be the number
1 producer of wine in the world. Made in the
Puglia region of Italy (also called the heel of Italy),
this vineyard has twice been voted Southern
Italy’s “finest”. Primitivo (called Zinfandel in
USA) produces a rich, dark, velvety red wine
with raspberry and powerful berry aromas. Add
in some spiced plum and vanilla and you have
a powerful full-bodied wine. If you like big
powerful wines, then this one is for you.
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