Winning
Reviewed by Wes Game
Hungary
Campanula, Pinot Grigio
Australia
McGuigan Bin 578, Merlot
£7 – Laithwaites/Sunday Times Wine Club
£8 Sainsbury’s & Tesco sometimes on offer for less.
As well as being famous for the sweet
wine Tokaji, Hungary has been massively
influenced by Italy for centuries, and wine is
no exception. Pinot Grigio is widely planted
throughout Hungary. Warm long summers
help to inject flavours into this popular grape
variety. This wine is packed with citrus
flavours as well as subtle green fruit and
melon with floral aromas. Whilst I am not
usually partial to Pinot Grigio, I hold my
hands up and admit I enjoyed it. A classic
case of “taste it to believe it” and “don’t be
influenced by the label”. Great value for
money. I will be buying more.
Portugal
Portinho Covo, Touriga Nacional,
Alicante & Syrah (Shiraz)
£7 Laithwaites
Touriga Nacional is Portugal’s finest grape
type and is famously used in the production
of port. Touriga Nacional gives low yields
(low volumes of grapes/wine per vine), which
results in intense flavours, colour and aromas.
Blended with Alicante and Syrah, means
there is a wealth of smooth black fruit and
ripe berry flavours. Add in the smokey, woody
aromas and the lovely intense colour and
the wine becomes a joy to drink. Portugal is
increasing its reputation for quality wine and
after drinking this I would have to agree. An
incredible wine for the money with layers of
flavour.
Australia is nearly 50% larger than the whole
of Europe and is the 4th largest wine exporter
in the world, focusing on consistent quality
and keen pricing. The warm climate creates
high alcohol levels as well as full flavours.
This full bodied, smooth wine has strong
plum, raspberry and cherry fruit flavours as
well as aromas of vanilla and spice injected
through the use of oak. This is a great
commercially produced wine with consistent
flavours that is ideal with roast dinners or
winter stews. With occasional offers at the
supermarket, keep an eye out for this very
quaffable wine!
South Africa
Boschendal, Chenin Blanc
£7 Drinksupermarket.com or Majestic
Since the end of Apartheid 20 years
ago, South Africa has worked hard to
successfully improve the quality and
reputation of their wine. Chenin Blanc,
known locally as Steen, is the most widely
planted grape variety in South Africa.
As well as crisp citrus flavours, there
are beautiful floral aromas with hints of
peach and honey. A little more golden
in colour than some other white wines
makes you think of summer. A must try
for Sauvignon Blanc lovers. As with most
wines, drink it when you want – before,
during or after food at any time of the
year!!
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