A couple of excellent wines from France’s “Mediterranean South” for you to enjoy.
The red is yet further evidence of two back-to-back vintages (2023 and 2024) providing great examples at the value end of the Rhône spectrum.
That, fellow MidWeekers, is where mere mortals like you and I can often be found.
Languedoc’s vineyards provide its partner – one of the more savoury white wines that are finding increasing favour here.
While, predictably, grenache blanc takes the lead in this example, it has two less common companions – rolle (vermentino) and macabeo.
Today’s Bonus Item is prompted by the piece on our MidWeek Wines Guild sister site on independent wine merchants.
To reinforce the commendations there, I have drawn on my press reports on wines from two excellent “indies” with good on-line presences.
Both wines occupy a rung or so above entry point versions but remember that – as with on-line suppliers of anything – there may be delivery charges.
Pictures and, where they help, hyperlinks are used to support today’s recommendations.
A new range to consider.
Which wine should I buy? 2023The Legends Côtes du Rhône
Why should I buy it? Spar’s Legends range is a newcomer worth knowing about — sound, honest wines done properly, at prices marginally above average, but worth it. This accomplished Rhône red is typical of the value it, and others in the lineup, embody.
What does it taste like? Blackberry, raspberry and cherry flavours form a foundation here and these are threaded through with cocoa, clove, black pepper and herbal hints. Meanwhile, firm tannin and lively orange acidity embellish its medium-bodied texture.
Where, how much and what abv? £8.49 at selected Spar stores and 13.5% abv:
And, for that distinctive white.
Which wine should I buy? 2024 The Best Minervois White
Why should I buy it? Minervois established its reputation on red wine, so an imaginatively configured white — built around an unusual grape combination rarely seen in the region and at this quality and price – is something of a find, especially with that current loyalty card discount
What does it taste like? A cocktail of fruit flavours takes centre stage — white plum, pear and green apple — with melon, lime peel and grapefruit adding layers of complexity. Despite its ripeness and soft texture, the wine finishes with a clean, sharp lemon acidity.
Where, how much and what abv? £8 – down from £9 until 4 May with a Morrisons Loyalty Card and 12.5% abv. – but may not be on offer in all stores:
Insider Tip: While you are in Morrisons, take a look at 2023 Pata Negra Toro (also £8 instead of £9 until 4 May with a Morrisons Loyalty Card) if you enjoy smooth, yet full and powerful, tempranillo
BONUS ITEMS
2021 Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (£14.05 at Slurp):
Coonawarra usually heads the cast list for South Australia’s cabernet sauvignon.
However, the Taylor family (owners of the Wakefield brand) have drawn on Clare Valley as well as Limestone Coast vineyards for this rather special version.
Dark and aromatic, with floral notes, the result features blackcurrant, plum and mocha flavours, accompanied by good acidity and limited tannin.
Hints of eucalyptus, cedar and a cinnamon-tinged charcoal finish complete the picture.
2025 Bodegas Piqueras Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc (£11.75 at Vintage Roots):
Vintage Roots are long-time pioneer retailers in the UK of organic and biodynamic wine.
Here, they have headed for the warm, compact Almansa corner of Castilla-La Mancha for this union of Spain’s verdejo with sauvignon blanc.
Pale and perfumed, it provides light-bodied white wine that brings us ripe melon, grapefruit and kiwi fruit flavours.
These are supported by energetic acidity, suggestions of peach and pear and some underlying jalapeño style tang and bite.
Tune in again next Monday for more Top Tips – not forgetting the latest of their wide-ranging features on the Guild website on Thursday and Saturday.
7 responses
I was lucky enough to be a Guild representative at a Spanish wine tasting in King’s cross and was impressed by the Vintage Roots selection.
I can recommend Bodegas Piqueras Verdejo 13% £13.75 and the utterly beguiling Bodegas Piqueras Los Losares Monastrell 14.5%
Generous, polished and quietly powerful, a rare old-vine Monastrell with concentrated dark fruit, subtle savoury notes and a long, sophisticated finish.
Unfortunately £19.75,but worth it as a treat wine.
Delivery is free over £125 and £8.95 on orders under that amount.
It is good to see monastrell getting more and more recognition in its own (Spanish) land. For too long its main claim to fame was as a blending partner in Southern Rhone reds.
Hi Brian , Intrigued by the Spar legends wine, I haven’t bought wine from Spar for a long time now, might give this a go, (sounds like they got some impressive wine buyers).
Wakefield wines are always a solid recommendation, and the Cab sounds good as does the Piqueras Verdejo Sovee.
I shall add them all to my ‘To Buy’ list
Spot on with the wine buyers point, Dave. The list is curated by the brilliant Philippa Carr MW – architect of the Wine Atlas range while she was at Asda.
I remember a previous article featuring Spa wines. Philippa has astutely curated, with humour, 3 ranges of wines.
Critter Wines: A basic red, white & rosé.
Uptempo Wines: Where flavour profiles are given, to assist choice.
Tasteheads: Where the grape variety is given, for each wine. Useful for those who remember the grape of sometime they liked!
In a period where wine consumption is dipping, and the wine aisles provide an often bewildering selection of wines. Anything that simplifies the choice, and guides a buyer to something they are likely to like – is most welcome! Go Philippa!
Morrisons current offer of 25% off six or more bottles would make the Minervois even more attractive if they have any in stock.
It certainly would, Alf., but it may be that the 25% will apply to the list price rather than the discounted one. The good news is that it is well worth its £9 list price.