Simon
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Villa Maria at Asda
Following on from my previous two posts on wine offers, I have come across a great reduction on Villa Maria Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc that I found to be ‘the best of them all’ at the Hatch Mansfield (importer) tasting and is one of my picks. It’s currently on offer, only at Asda, for £13,…
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Sevenly Sauvignon Blanc and Sevenly Rose
I haven’t tried these but thought I’d post quickly as it’s a huge offer that’s sure not to last. Invivo X Sevenly Sauvignon Blanc and Invivo X Sevenly Rose are only £2.63, reduced from £8 at Sainsbury’s. Invivo Sevenly is low alcohol 7%. Looking at other offers, I also found Marlborough Heartland Sauvignon Blanc at…
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25% Off Wine at Tesco
Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 3+ bottles, from 30 July 2024 until 5 August 2024. Take care when purchasing because, unlike the usual 6+ promotion, it doesn’t include all bottles over £5.50 (£7 in Wales). However, I have examined the Tesco web site and some bottles are on double…
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Los Tontos Sabios
Los Tontos Sabios is a quirky and intriguing red ‘field blend’ crafted from organic grapes. This wine, from the La Mancha region of Spain, is a harmonious mix of native Spanish grape varieties, all grown in the same field and fermented together. The specific grapes are not disclosed, which adds an element of mystery to…
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Wine and Health
Recent declines in wine consumption have been linked to growing public health concerns, particularly those raised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) who have increasingly voiced concerns about alcohol consumption, culminating in a statement declaring that there is “no safe level” of alcohol consumption. This message reflects the influence of public health campaigns and some…
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Mucho Mas Sparkling
My wife picked up Mucho Mas Sparkling when it was on offer, demonstrating her eye for the unusual and unique. This intriguing sparkling wine, usually found on the Prosecco shelf, stands out by being Spanish rather than Italian and isn’t Cava. The Mucho Mas brand, created around 2017 by Félix Solís, one of the world’s…
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Villa Vito Pinot Grigio
I don’t usually buy Pinot Grigio, as most of it is mass-produced, of average quality and has a mediocre taste. However, according to Bibendum, it’s the most popular wine on trade, in hospitality venues. So, when I was recently tasked with selecting some wines for a gathering, I felt compelled to include a Pinot Grigio…
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Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Having initially enjoyed the Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 during a press tasting at the Asda Spring Summer Showcase, I decided to purchase a bottle to, spend more time with it and see how it fares in a different setting. To test it further, I paired it with beef and compared it side by side…
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25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine, sparkling and Champagne, 6 bottles or more, £6 or more, from 24 July 2024 to 30 July 2024. See the Sainsbury’s tasting for tips on what to buy.
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25% Off Wine at Asda
Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, 6 bottles or more, from 24 July 2024 until 11:59pm on 28 July 2024. See the Spring Summer Press tasting for tips on what to buy.
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25% Off Wine at Tesco
Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are over £5.50 (£7 in Wales), from 23 July 2024 until 29 July 2024. See the Tesco tasting for tips on what to buy.
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WineGB Awards 2024 Trophy Winners
At this year’s WineGB Awards, wines from 13 counties won trophies, with a record number of Gold medals awarded. The ceremony was held on 19 July at The Drapers’ Hall in London. Kent’s Chapel Down was the standout winner, claiming Supreme Champion, Top Sparkling Wine, Best Prestige Cuvée, the South East Trophy, Best Chardonnay, Joint…
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The Controversy of Terroir in Wine
The French term ‘terroir’, often bandied about by winemakers, sommeliers and marketers, refers to the unique environmental factors that impart distinctive characteristics to wine. Terroir encompasses a myriad of factors including the soil, climate, topography and even the local flora and fauna, all of which interact with the grapevines. It is this intricate blend of…
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Marques de Los Rios Rioja Gran Reserva
I picked this up on a whim mainly because it was on offer and I’m glad I did. Initially, I was slightly concerned because the cashier hit the bottle extremely hard to remove the security tag, seriously damaging the foil. However, my worries went away once I tasted it. This 2014 Rioja, with an ABV…
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Final Wine Recommendations
Fiona Beckett, the Guardian’s wine critic for nearly 14 years, is stepping down to pursue other interests, mainly travel, as she approaches her 76th birthday. Reflecting on changes since she began in 2010, Fiona notes her shift towards lighter, fresher wines, the rise of natural and orange wines and the increasing quality of English and…
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Global Syrah Masters 2024
The Global Syrah Masters is an annual event celebrating the distinguished grape variety, Syrah. This year saw a high number of wines awarded with Silver, Gold and Master medals. Syrah’s traditional home is in the northern Rhône valley, but it has spread to southern regions and beyond, including Australia and New Zealand, with notable entries…
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25% off at Morrisons
Morrisons 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £5.50 or more, until 21 July 2024. Check very carefully, there a few wines that aren’t included.
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Understanding Light Strike in Wine Degradation
Sometimes, wine doesn’t quite live up to expectations. I’ve encountered this when comparing wine at tastings to subsequent purchases, more so with rosé and white wines. After looking into this deeper, I suspect one culprit might be light strike. One trend in the wine industry is the increased use of white flint bottles. These bottles…
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Ramón Bilbao Rosé 2023
Ramón Bilbao, well-known for its presence in both Rioja and Rueda, produces this Ramón Bilbao Rosé 2023. This wine is made with the aim of reviving a classic Rioja Alta wine tradition. Winemaker Rodolfo Bastida has focused on Rioja rosados, specifically ‘clarete’, a style that has been a staple in the restaurants around his hometown…
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El Duque De Miralta Rioja Reserva
This 2019 Rioja Reserva is made by winemaker César Fernández at El Coto. The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from the three prestigious areas of Rioja, Alavesia, Alta and Oriental, ensuring a rich and diverse flavour profile. The wine is aged for 24 months in American oak barrels, which imparts a distinct and inviting aroma of…
