Sourgal Moscato d’Asti 2019, Piedmont, Italy. In the spirit of TNC this was another experimental purchase as part of a mixed case. Plucked from the cellar in time for an early dinner and TNC, he was some what surprised that the cork popped out with such gusto… and that when he poured it, it was fizzy (the normal wine bottle neck is a little misleading) sweet, and only 5% abv! By this point he was really wondering why he bought this at all. The wine itself was fine; peachy and fresh but it was a definite case of right wine, wrong time. Having then checked the reviews online they did all mention great with dessert! FYI they are also great to take the edge of the night before and are a brilliant end to a rich dinner when you don’t want anything as heavy as a sticky. The Wine Society £8.50
Thymiopoulos Xinomavro Jeunes Vignes 2019, Naoussa, Greece. A rousing cheer met the introduction of this wine from those of us who have already had the pleasure of tasting it before. It was again purchased in the spirit of trying out new grape varieties, and having had a number of very good Greek whites she decided to try a red. The wine is pure, elegant and red fruited with a lovely hint of mint. Great value from The Wine Society at £10.95
Honorio Rubio Macerado Rioja Blanco 2018, Spain. Skin contact white wines have never been a particular favourite for this member, but this wine was highly recommended and so he decided to give this unique style another go. The verdict was ‘stunning’, which shows us all not to be put off a style, region or grape variety because of a poor experience. Made from 100% Viura, this wine spent 10 months on its skins in large old barrels (hence the deep yellow colour), from the moment it was harvested until it was bottled. One the nose it showed stewed apple and rich, textural, waxy apple skins. The palate has dried apricot, a lovely textural grip and delicious savoury freshness. As the wine develops in the glass it shows an almost PX style richness on the nose despite being bone dry on the palate. He was very definitely stepping outside his comfort zone with this wine, but was rewarded for the effort. D’vine cellars, £20
Carnivor Zinfandel 2017, California. Inspired by his own recent discovery of the Zinfandel grape, Majestic had an offer for this wine so he thought he would explore further. This is a delicious wine with dark cherry, blackberry jam and hints of rhubarb, rich but fresh, definitely one he would buy again. Majestic £10
The Wine Society Exhibition Fleurie 2019, Beaujolais, France. It has always been a tradition for this couple to have Beaujolais as their thanksgiving wine with the turkey (not Beaujolais Nouveau) but they rarely drink it outside November. This is delicious, and all too easy to drink! Very fruity with juicy strawberries, and though it is undoubtedly a lovely summer wine with light tannins, it has enough body to drink it in winter, especially at lunch time if you don’t want anything too heavy. The Wine Society £10.50
Dominic Hentall Fiano 2019, Puglia, Italy. The quest to discover new grapes continues with this Fiano from Puglia. His usual ‘house’ white is German Riesling so this really is very different to what he is used to, but it makes a lovely change. It is quite light on the palate showing melon and peach fruit with a hint of honey, it has a nice mineral core to it adding texture. It is smooth and very easy to drink, a lovely aperitif. Naked Wines £10.29
Domaine Faivelely Meursault 2016, Burgundy, France. Do you ever get those days where you just feel like really spoiling yourself for absolutely no reason? Some people opt for a long hot bubble bath, I tend to go for a really nice bottle of wine. No occasion, no ceremony, I just fancied something classy. Domaine Faivelely are 7th generation family owned and consistently made excellent quality Burgundy from a number of different appellations. 2016 was a tricky vintage but this is a lovely rich, textural wine, showing subtle notes of baked apple and almond, a floral hint and a lovely mineral core despite the rich fruit. Great length, beautifully integrated oak and a precise finish make this a wine worth making it through the day for! Warwick Banks and Jenkins, £42
