Since Easter holiday treats still have a few hours to run, today’s red choice involves a little higher list price than usual.
However, it fully justifies spending more, and could well be for you if Ocado operates where you are.
Getting back to earth, though, its first companion is a sound French white with lower alcohol – but only limited loss of texture.
Finally, comes the Bonus Item which takes another look at an Aldi Wine of the Week.
I hope all, or any, of them help make the long holiday weekend even brighter for you.
As ever, pictures (and, where helpful, hyperlinks) should make it easier to track them down.
First that red
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Terra Organica Primitivo
Why should I buy it? Primitivo from Puglia is a very reliable choice among Italian reds – it is usually substantial, good value and unlikely to disappoint. Sometimes, though, its high quality can astound you – and price for price this is one such wine.
What does it taste like? Almost black in colour with subtle fruity aromas, it delivers rich, velvety black cherry, bramble and blackcurrant flavours partnered by lively acidity and modest tannin with hints of liquorice, cocoa and anise.
Where, how much and what abv? £9 – instead of £12.50 from tomorrow until 21 April – at Ocado and 14% abv.
NB:- The retailer’s website may not show the discounted price until it goes live tomorrow.
Moving to France
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Taste the Difference Côtes de Gascogne
Why should I buy it? South West France is adept at bringing together colombard and sauvignon in a fashion that offers the best of both varieties. Here it does so again with a lovely, invigorating, modest alcohol example of how good that marriage can be.
What does it taste like? Fresh and bright in appearance, it centres on textured but vibrant passionfruit, apple and lemongrass flavours. These are supported by zesty lemon and tangerine acidity and a persistent finish containing subtle tomato leaf hints.
Where, how much and what abv? £7.50 at Sainsbury’s and 10.5% abv
Bonus Item
Easter, British Summer Time and unshakeable optimism starts brain cells thinking about “in-the-garden wines”.
That Gascogne white is certainly one but so is one of the current Aldi Wines of the Week
Let’s be clear, sophisticated, complex and flamboyantly aromatic sauvignon it is not but, as gentle and uncomplicated white wine, it fits the garden wine profile well.
The eye-catching reduction on Marlborough’s 12% abv Waitonga Falls Sauvignon Blanc to £4.99 in parts of the UK (probably around £6 in Scotland) gives it a head start.
The reduction – from its £8.99 list price – is due to run until 8 April.
Fragrant and juicy, it offers fresh apple, peach and melon flavours given zip by sherbet lemon acidity.
Citrus peel influences and gentle grassy and herbal qualities complete the picture.
See you again next Monday with more Top Tips to take your wine drinking up a notch. Meanwhile, dig a little deeper into the subject with our sister site – https://midweekwinesguild.substack.com. It has new material on Thursdays and Saturdays.
4 responses
Worth noting that the red can be obtained direct from terraorganica.co.uk for £11 a bottle,with free delivery on a case of six.10% off first order with email sign up.
An interesting range of wines that I would like to explore.
As you say, Paul, a good range and one with several impressive wines that I have enjoyed.
Hello Brian,
Can confirm the online ordering direct with Terra Organica was smooth and easy.The sister-in-law likes Primitivo,so 3 bottles of your recommended red,then a bottle each of the Grillo,Pinot Grigio and Grunër Veltiner.
Subscribe to get the 10% discount code off first order before ordering.
Exploring here we come!
I fancy that the primitivo will be a big hit – as it is in our household