Best Subscribers in the World

First a big thank you for all the responses to my request for a steer on the content of this post.

I have been overwhelmed by the replies and touched by how many people were ready to take the trouble to provide their thoughts.

The rest of August will be used to work through some of the suggested changes but today does have the longer introduction that dominated the wishes expressed in those emails and web comments.

It is flattering and humbling to see the value subscribers attach to the background behind selections and I will try to meet those expectations.

For those who want to “cut to the chase”, I will keep the “four question” layout but treat it as a summary rather than the main content.

Above all, though, I really appreciate the readiness of folk to help shape MidWeek Wines and their willingness to engage with it.

You really are the best subscribers in the world; thank you.

To anyone not yet a subscriber – you know what to do!

This week’s wines

I may have whetted appetites with talk of a Sicilian white in last week’s “blue” trailer section but there has been a change of plan.

A couple of wines with short life discounts elbowed their way into consideration and were too good to miss. So, they are included today and – as a small compensation – one of them has been added as an extra wine.

Sicily will make its appearance another day.

Now for that (deeper) introduction.

It sometimes seems that, rather like car manufacturers, winemaking falls into two categories. In the automobile industry, specialists make cars that are super-fast or the last word in luxury while those making family hatchbacks have a different agenda.

For that (bigger) second group, it could be argued that the priority is meeting most needs well in a functional setting and, above all, at an affordable price.

So, let me extend that (admittedly massive) over-simplification into wine. Top level wines usually have prestigious winemakers, the latest equipment and the best grapes from the best sites, and inevitably each of those components will increase costs and, hence, prices.

However, the Rhone Valley’s Perrin operation seems to have mastered both the luxury level of winemaking (with their legendary Château de Beaucastel wines) and the “family saloon” equivalent – La Vieille Ferme.

The Old Farm brand brings us popular and carefully balanced wines that are enjoyable in themselves but that also brilliantly capture exactly what typifies authentic wines from the region in question, and many would argue that the Perrins’ early adoption of organic production processes has helped them to do that.

Grape selection is also important. Almost inevitably white grenache plays a key role in this Rhone white but obvious partners like marsanne and roussanne do not seem to figure. Instead, this blend uses varieties such as bourboulenc, ugni blanc (called trebbiano toscano in Italy) and vermentino (also called rolle in Southern France).

Enough of the technicalities – just enjoy the wine.

Today’s other two wines (both red) illustrate the versatility of Chile. Being forced to be long and narrow by the Andes, Chile produces wines from areas well over a dozen degrees of latitude apart, so unsurprisingly there can be major differences between the wines produced in different regions.

Although not separated by anything like those distances, conditions still vary appreciably between coastal Casablanca and the volcanic Rapel Valley.

Today, we focus on a nicely balanced pinot noir from the former with a range of components, and a full, smoky cabernet sauvignon from the latter.

Try them both, ideally side by side, to see the contrast – but, in any event, use one as a perfect BBQ wine and the other as proof that well-made, affordable pinot noir is not the unattainable dream that some wine lists suggest.

One facet of MidWeek Wines posts unlikely to change is the pictures and, where possible, hyperlinks that help you secure the wine in question.

So, on borrowed time, here is the soon to be replaced format

Which wine should I buy? 2025 La Vieille Ferme White

Why should I buy it? Summarising what the intro says, delightfully typical regional wine from an accomplished producer

What does it taste like? Cleverly combining ripeness and a mere suspicion of minerality, this leads on enticing apple, pear and tangerine flavours but supports them with sherbet lime acidity and clean, zesty aromas to draw you in.

Where, how much and what abv? £7.50 – down from £9 until 11 August as a Sainsbury’s Nectar price – and 12.5% abv:

Switching to reds

Which wine should I buy? 2024 Best Pinot Noir Gran Reserva

Why should I buy it? Summarising again, a nicely configured “coastal” Chilean pinot that ticks many boxes.

What does it taste like? Medium-bodied with little tannin there is a foundation of loganberry, cranberry and damson flavours here to which enlivening acidity adds verve. However, it is the accompanying features that especially impressed me – cumin, chocolate and orange components and an underpinning earthiness.

Where, how much and what abv? £8 – down from £12 until 9 August with a Morrisons Loyalty Card – and 13% abv: 

And for the Bonus Item

Which wine should I buy? 2023 Diablo Volcanic Cabernet Sauvignon

Why should I buy it? A rich, smoky red from a volcanic region that seems tailor made for barbecued meats.

What does it taste like? Smooth blackberry, prune and cherry flavours abound here and are joined by bright acidity and soft tannin. The standout element, though, is the smokiness that joins the concluding touches of dark chocolate and cedar style savouriness.

Where, how much and what abv? £9 – down from £11 until 10 August with a Tesco Clubcard – and 14% abv.

Drop by next Monday when I continue the revamped Top Tips while lovers of even more detailed wine thoughts should head, without delay, to our sister site – MidWeek Wines Guild.