Late, Late Autumn Meets Pre Christmas Wines 2014

Ongoing mild weather means we’re combining our autumn tipples with pre-Christmas drinks. Next month we aim to bring you a selection of wines, beers and spirits from the high street and online.

Virgin Wines www.virginwines.co.uk. Left to Right in main image.

Comald Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2013, Australia, 14.5% abv
Grapes planted on the same ‘terra rossa’ soils as the great vineyards of Coonawarra result in complex notes on the nose and palate, which leave a long fruity finish. RRP £14.99.

Project One Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, U.S.A., 14% abv
A gorgeous weighty red with a plum and damson bouquet. The palate is smooth and velvety with a soft finish. RRP £14.99.

Dehesa de Quixana El Ingenioso 2013, Spain, 13.5% abv
Mixed grapes – Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot, Tempranillo and Petit Verdot gives this red an unusual palate. The nose hints of cherries and blackberries, bramble, cocoa and mineral. A complex tipple, oak aged for richness. RRP £11.99.

Raiolas D’Outono Albarino Spain, 12% abv
This grape hails from Galicia in northwest Spain. Hints of peach and apricot are aromatic on the palate. Long fruity finish. Best drunk on its own. RRP £12.99.

Carpe Diem Domaine Cazalet Tursan, 2013, France, 12.5% abv
A dry fragrant French wine from Gascony. Baroque and Gros Manseng grapes effuse apricot and floral notes. Baroque (similar to) Sauvignon Blanc balances the wine’s acidity, imparting nuttiness to the palate. RRP £12.99.

The Big Mo 2014 Pathaway Viognier 14% abv.
A gorgeous white full of ripe peaches and apricot balanced by a delicate acidity. Mid-dry palate without excess acidity. RRP £9.99.

Aldi Supermarket www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/drinks/wine-cellar/

Freeman’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Brut 13% abv
A sparkling white with a lime and gooseberry palate. Great on its own or with fish dishes. RRP £3.99.

Exquisite Collection Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2011 14.5% abv
A vintage wine from the Verona region of Italy. Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara grapes make a palate of intense cherry and plum flavours, with a velvety finish and rich spicy bouquet. RRP £7.99.

Exquisite Collection Plan De Dieu Cotes Du Rhone Villages 13% abv
Spiciness, cherries and red fruit characterise this wine’s palate. The nose is of warm red fruit. RRP £6.49.

Extras

Plaisir De Merle Grand Plaisir 2010, S.A., 14% abv
Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes mean smooth tannins, vanilla hints and a lasting finish. Pair with red meats. £20 – Marks and Spencer.

Canard Duchene Champagne Brut 12% abv
An authentic fizz with a smooth, fruity nose. Pinot Gris and Chardonnay grapes impart a mellow palate, expected from three years aging in oak barrels. £25.49 – Waitrose.

See www.drinkaware.co.uk for safe drinking guidelines.