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Can we drink it?

15/2/2020

 

...yes we can

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It’s been a while since I’ve blogged. Reasons too numerous to mention have me thinking that this blog is dead, and it’s so much more convenient to just post on Facebook, Twitter or instagram.
In general, I’ve been drinking a lot less at home, and when one is drinking out with friends, whipping the phone out and taking analytical tasting notes just doesn’t seem as acceptable as taking a quick snap of a wine bottle (assuming there is one).
But in my quest to continue “drinking less but better”, I’ve come to realise that with Mr PT being much more into craft beer these days, I’m finding even opening a bottle of wine less appealing at home. So when I saw a wine that resembled something I’d bought before, but in a 250ml can, I thought it was a good excuse to give it a try.  And the reason for the blog post... I had tweeted the wine and found a lot of people getting interested.  The can format is expanding, perhaps for environmental reasons as much as convenience.  So, here we are.

It has been many years since the “Chateau Maris” Minervois was a regular feature on our wine rack, but I recalled it as a decent wine, and at £2.49 for a third of a bottle of organic Shiraz, I figured I didn’t have much to lose by giving this a punt, even if the “reduced to clear” ticket didn’t exactly fill me with hope... (apparently this is just in my branch).
​Whether the French appellation regulations make this a Vin de France because it’s not in a bottle, or whether the grapes are more widely sourced, I haven’t taken the time to research, but my first observation was that calling it Shiraz rather than Syrah was a sign, perhaps, of trying to appeal to a different audience.

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First things first: I couldn’t bring myself to drink it out of the can. The days of “emergency wine rations” on long train trips home from corporate-hell days in Leeds or Manchester have passed. Now I’m trying to drink a lot less, I just can’t think of a time when it would be enough of an "emergency" to see me drinking from the can.

Luckily, I’d poured it into the glass long before dinner was ready.

​Strange that a wine sold in a “quick drink” format would benefit so much from time to open up in the glass. But open up it did, and that made the change from this simply being “red wine” to becoming something eminently drinkable.  

​Seriously, the difference was immense.  Had I drunk it straight from that can this would have been a very different post.

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I’d decided to open this to pair with some confit duck, lentils, roasted veggies, & red cabbage. I had some “old favourite” supermarket Chardonnay open (thank you to that friend who only ever wants to drink Chardonnay).

I decided to try both wines side-by-side, assuming the red would wipe the floor with the white as a food match. It also allowed me to share both with Mr PT who decided to get involved, purely “for research purposes”, of course...

In fact, the white worked a lot better with the food than I’d expected, but at £17.99 a bottle versus what is coming in at under a tenner in the can, that’s as it should be.

But back to our main feature... the Shiraz paired just fine with this dish, and I think would work with a number of weeknight dinners or on-train picnics.

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Once it had been in the glass for a while, the wine became far more appealing. It is definitely a simpler Syrah/Shiraz than the Maris Minervois, and doesn’t demand a lot of attention. Simple black fruit flavours were the main feature. It's in balance, and a decent wine, but definitely a simple, drinkable wine rather than one to wax lyrical about.

Mr PT likened it to the kind of wine he used to drink many years ago. I’m not sure the Maris winemakers will see a comparison with Wolf Blass Yellow Label as a compliment, but that’s how he intended it.

It is not one I’m likely to buy again. That's nothing to do with the wine itself. I just can't see a place for it in my life.
It helps with the "drink less" part, but not necessarily the "drink better" element.  Don't get me wrong, I’d be happy to recommend it to anyone who likes to take wine to festivals, picnics and on trains. It is a "good" wine, and if you like the idea of wine in a can, then definitely give it a try.  Believe me though, it'll taste better if you pour it into a glass.


Since my tasting, I've reminded myself that I can use a product like "Winesave" if I want to open a full bottle and drink half of it in a week's time.  I've also purchased a number of half bottles from The Wine Society, and hope that they may help me in my quest to have the right amount of wine, in the right quantity.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on canned wine, and on any "small format" wines that you've enjoyed recently.  More places need to stock half bottles too, so let's celebrate them.

Cheers!

It’s Albariño Jim, but not as we know it...

11/10/2019

 
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I enjoyed sharing this wine earlier in the week with some new wine-loving friends. It was perhaps an odd choice following a Bordeaux tasting but after all that tannin we were in need of refreshment, and had shared some Muscadet in the restaurant.


I offered white or red, and white was chosen, but... they didn’t want anything oaky. Given I had several oak bombs in the fridge calling my name, including a very fabulous white Rioja, I went into panic mode.


Luckily I’d had a delivery from The Wine Society’s bin-end sale that morning and this was all I had popped in the fridge.


No oak.
But!
Was it really without oak?


Albariño aged in stainless steel, 30 months on the lees and another year in the bottle (before release) plus bottle age, really fooled everyone. There was that body and complexity that oak can bring.
There was intense minerality, refreshing acidity, not much fruit left but some peachy notes. The common guess was oaked Chardonnay.


It was a fascinating way to try Albariño from a pioneer of this style. Being honest, I doubt I’d have guessed it right in a blind tasting either!


Although I really enjoyed it and am glad I tried it, I think for the price, I’d sooner have an oaky Chardonnay or a couple of bottles of the regular Pazo Señorans Albariño, which remains one of my favourite unoaked whites.


Wine is such a joy when shared with people willing to try something different.


Don’t get stuck in a wine rut. Experiment.


Be open to new experiences. If you need help figuring out what you like, a Purple Teeth wine tasting party in your own home could help you try new things with zero pressure to buy.


Whatever you’re drinking this weekend, drink responsibly and enjoy every drop.

Cheers!
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Boozeless booze

26/6/2019

 
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At Chateau Purple Teeth we are all about wine. But the recent trend for low and no alcohol drinks hasn’t passed us (or our livers) by.
I can’t bring myself to sample the alcohol free wine and Cava I’ve seen advertised but thought I’d try this 1% alcohol cider (half a unit in this half a litre). It’s definitely recognisable as cider, rather than apple juice, in flavour, but as it’s a medium style, for me it lacks the crisp, freshness I appreciate on a hot summer day.
Luckily it’s not really got going as summer yet! It does, however, fit the bill as a change from my usual “alcohol free” drink, sparkling water. A decent change for fans of cider, and made more delicious by my Riedel O Pinot Noir glass.



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As a person who didn’t get the memo about gin, I’ve had to cede to Mr PT to review the ready mixed alcohol free G&T from M&S. At £2.50 it’s a lot cheaper than buying a bottle of alcohol free spirit such as seedlip.... but. Did it fit the bill?
Mr PT said despite the claims of botanicals it was unrecognisable to him as a Gin substitute but made a pleasant soft drink for grown ups.
To me, the uninitiated, there was definitely juniper and a “memory” of G&T but it hadn’t converted me.


What are your favourite alcohol free beverages?
Cheers!

Are you storing your wine correctly?

25/4/2019

 
Thanks to Callum Dooley of Elite Wine Refrigeration for this sponsored post.
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The Ins and Outs of Wine Storage
You just bought an expensive bottle of wine and suddenly found out that you may not be storing it the right away. You may have also heard of the benefits that wines carry after long-term storage and want to test it out but don’t know how to go about it. If this is you, then read on to find out more about the ins and outs of wine storage.



First of all, you need to know that it is only an incredibly small percentage of excellent wines on the market today that require long-term ageing. The majority of the wines out there should be enjoyed now or within a few years of storage, e.g. up to 5 years, as many will have been stored for a number of years by the winemaker before released onto the market.
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However, if you 
are buying wine with the intention of allowing it to develop for many years to come, or you just want to ensure that the bottle you're buying now won't spoil by Christmas, then could consider investing in professional-grade wine storage – whether that is a luxury wine cooler from the likes of Elite Wine Refrigeration or , if you're lucky enough to have space, a custom built wine cellar from someone like Spiral Cellars (www.spiralcellars.co.uk)

In any case, unless you buy your bottles with a view to drinking them within the next week or so, here are Callum's key things to consider when it comes to wine storage:

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Humidity and Temperature
Most of the time, temperature is shockingly overlooked when it comes to the storage of wine to maturity. But temperature plays a significant role in how quickly – or slowly – a bottle of wine matures.
The Wine Society recommends that you should keep your wines between 10-14°C, i.e., warmer temperatures will encourage development whereas cooler temperatures will slow the process, the optimum for most wines is 12°C.

Humidity does not ordinarily affect the quality of the wine, but it can cause significant issues with the cork. Since most corks are a natural substance meaning they are living, the humidity can bring about degradation of the cork, in turn, having an unpleasant impact on the quality of your wine. Too little humidity and the cork may dry out, allowing the wine to seep out as it is no longer as tighter fit, it will also allow oxygen to seep in which will sour the wine.
Too much humidity can also wreak havoc on wooden boxes and the wine bottle labels (e.g. in a steamy kitchen), and worse mould can build up on the cork or and will damage the prestigious labels of your wine bottles.




The
position of the wine bottle
There are generally two practical ways of orientating bottles of wine:
• Upright
• On their side
Storing wine in racks makes a lot of sense, but this needs to be done in any of the following ways:
1. If your bottle of wine comes with a synthetic cork or a screw cap, you can stow it upright or on their side
2. For corked bottles of wine, you must store them on their sides
3. Bottles of Champagne – as well as other sparkling wine can be stored for incredibly short periods – i.e., about a month in upright positions. This should only be done when they are going to be consumed.


The ideal way to store bottles of wine is on its side as it allows you to stack the bottles which gives you much more capacity in your wine cooler or wine cellar. This is also the best way as it means the cork will not dry up from the inside as the liquid will keep it moist.  (Note from Purple Teeth: remember if you're going to serve a lovely bottle of red you've lovingly stored, to put it upright for several hours before pouring/decanting to ensure you allow any sediment to settle).

Take a look around online, and you will find beautiful and functional racks that will be perfect for you. There are several wall-mounted varieties, 15-bottle racks, contemporary globe drinks cabinets, etc. to choose from.

Vibration
When wines are stored for ten to twenty years in commercial wine cellars in countries like France, Spain and Italy, they very rarely see any movement and if they do it is just to simply turn the bottle to ensure the sediment is collecting in the bottom of the bottle as it should.
Gentle or even subtle, unwarranted vibrations can accelerate the many reactions that occur in a stored bottle of wine. These reactions may cause the wine to mature too quickly which will inevitably mean the wine won't taste as good as it should. If you have stored a bottle of wine for 5-10 years you want the full flavour.

Lighting
Keep the lighting levels low, wine coolers mostly feature solid doors however they are more and more becoming must have household appliances and this type of wine cooler tend to have a glass door. This will need to be fully UV treated to ensure no UV rays can travel through the glass.  It has been proven that UV rays can affect the taste of wines if exposed to them for too long. Top tip: avoid wine merchants who display fine wines upright and in a hot window. Red wines will generally change colour to lighter shades which could change the taste, and your enjoyment of the wine.
A final word from Purple Teeth.
Remember to have a look at the site for elitefridges.co.uk if you’re looking for a new or a first wine fridge. You'll qualify for Free Shipping if you use the code SHIPPING35.
And if you need help deciding what to put in it, I’m here!

Cheers!

How to Choose Your Perfect Wine Rack

5/6/2018

 
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My dream wine cellar
Post sponsored by WineRacks.co.uk

With a wide range of materials, sizes and styles available, wine racks are a great way for any wine aficionado to effectively store bottles in their home. Whether you only require storage for a few key bottles, or for kitting out an entire cellar, there are many options to choose from.
We spoke with Wine Racks, UK-based experts in wine storage, to determine the key points to consider when choosing a wine rack which is right for you.
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The design of this wine racking enabled the customer to incorporate a wine fridge so that the white wines and champagnes are chilled, ready for drinking.
Location & temperature
Where you store your wine is critical, particularly if you plan to build up a collection over a long period of time. Perhaps the biggest challenge for many is deciding where exactly this place may be, and often, those starting out will make the mistake of assuming this area to be the kitchen. However, unless you have a temperature-controlled kitchen, this is a no-no, since sunlight can quickly alter the temperature of your wine and spoil it.
The ideal conditions for storing wine is lying down, within a cool, dimly-lit, humidity-controlled area, which is not susceptible to vibrations and where the temperature does not fluctuate.
As such, if you are blessed with enough space, it’s wise to store wine in a cooler area, ideally below ground. The basement is perfect for this and can be made even better by having a cellar conditioner, which are different from normal air conditioners.
If the space is above ground level, it is important to have the room insulated so that the cellar conditioner can work efficiently. Wine fridges should not be put into a cellar as they produce heat. You can seek advice from other wine enthusiasts or read some online reviews in order to determine which cellar conditioners are worth the long-term investment.
There is simply no point in building up a fantastic wine collection unless they are being stored within the right environment!
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This is a substantial size wine cellar which has a centre island, providing an area for tasting wines. Due to the height of the cellar, a ladder was manufactured to access the higher storage area.
Bottle size
The type of wine rack you invest in will, of course, depend upon the types of wines you prefer to drink and those which you have in your collection. Different wines have different bottle sizes and styles, meaning that standard wine racks (3.5 inches for regular 750ml Bordeaux bottles) will not always be able to fit them.
For instance, if you are someone who has lots of magnum bottles and other larger bottle formats, like champagnes, then you might require a wine rack which has a larger opening than the standard size. Likewise, split or half bottles might form part of your collection and the same problem ensues.
In such cases, custom-built wine racks can be made to accommodate your wine storage choices and can offer a variety of bottle size and shape options.
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This wine cellar had to be designed to incorporate the hexagonal shape of the walls and has display for large format size wine bottles.
Material
Selecting the right material for your wine rack is essential, as it not only affects how your wine will be kept, but also how it blends with its surroundings and the overall price tag.

Wooden
The most common choice is wood, in particular oak, or pine, which hold up well in climate-controlled areas without cracking or attracting mildew. For a more cost-effective material, solid pine wine racks are a popular choice providing an attractive and versatile way to store wine. With these wine racks, the thickness of the material is essential to provide a sturdy and durable wine rack.
Choosing a wooden wine rack looks great in modern and traditional-style interiors, but it must be noted that this material might not always prove practical, particularly in damp-prone areas which is where all-metal wine racks have a distinct advantage.
Cheaper woods like poplar, fir and cedar should absolutely be avoided, as they can taint the smell of the wine. We also advise against using a finishing paint for the same reason. However, coloured stain and Danish oil can be used.

Metal
An alternative choice is the metal wine rack, which looks fantastic in contemporary interiors and allows for easy transportation. However, this material is not without its limitations, as they are more difficult to achieve an exact fit.

Specifications
Bottle holders should be smooth because sharp edges can cause label tearing when bottles are removed, which can decrease the wine’s value or look less presentable when serving to guests.
Your wine racking should be correctly installed to ensure stability. There is nothing worse than smashing a valuable bottle within your collection, so be sure to thoroughly examine the quality of the wine rack and the details used to construct it, so as to prevent the unthinkable from happening.
You should carry out some research and figure out the type of questions you want to ask before making a purchase. Consider how many bottles you want to store and whether you require storage for standard, half, magnum or large champagne bottles. If wines are to be kept in their original wooden cases, case racks are a great storage alternative.
Above all, always be sure to use a specialist company which understands the ins-and-outs of wine storage and the associated product specifications – unfortunately, your local builder or wood-worker simply won’t cut it!
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This wine cellar was designed for a private house and discretely incorporates a Fondis C25 SR. The cellar conditioner has the ability to cool and heat the cellar so that an ideal temperature is maintained
Whether you’re a keen wine collector at home, a retail store, or on-trade establishment, wineracks.co.uk. can offer bespoke, expert design to suit your needs.
This post was sponsored by wineracks.co.uk. If your wine-related product, service or wine would be interesting to Purple Teeth readers, please get in touch about sponsoring a post.

Irjevan Wine - Brandy factory Armenia

6/9/2017

 
Guilty as charged.
All summer long I've been travelling, experiencing and tasting amazing wines and some rather less amazing. I've become lazy about blogging. If you want to catch up before I do, you'll find many photos and summaries on our Facebook page, twitter and Instagram.

Today required a blog.
90 minutes after setting foot in Armenia for the first time, we were in a brandy factory.

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The tour round what looked like a fairly functional Soviet style fortress from the outside showed us highly automated production along with some quaint touches.
There was a nice tasting room with salty cheese for the wine, & chocolate for the brandy tasting. We are no experts but both felt the 7 & 20 year old Brandy we tasted was excellent. The red and white wines were both interesting blends of local grapes we had never before tasted.
They told us there are around 320 indigenous grape varieties.

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I'm pretty sure the cherry or tea rose wines will not be making it to the UK market any time soon, but apparently these semi-sweet flavoured wines are big in China and Russia.
The cease and desist order on calling things cognac and champagne is in play... we were told they had till 2020 and they seemed to plan on using every last day.
Interesting, but not a patch on the Georgian wine we had come from. More on that later. Maybe!
Cheers.
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The 5 people NOT to be at a wine tasting

30/6/2017

 
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I've been working at wine tastings for several years now.  Often these are very civilised private parties where I pour and present wines to a small group of friends who are keen to learn about wine, while having a good time doing so.  I love sharing that experience with these wine fans, and would love to hear from you if you'd like to host a Purple Teeth tasting for your own group.

I also really enjoy working at larger "walk around" tastings for the general public and the wine trade.  This hasn't stopped me developing a wry sense of humour, as I recognise the 5 main types of people you Do Not want to be at any wine tasting.  If you recognise yourself below, don't panic.  I have tips to help you blend right in at future events.

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Mr “I could murder a beer”
• Mr Beer doesn’t really like wine. He’s not sure why he’s at the wine tasting. Maybe his boss sent him at short notice to help improve the wine list. Or maybe his friends have dragged him out for a sophisticated afternoon. Either way, we’re not really sure why he’s at a wine tasting either. But telling the person pouring wine that you don’t like wine leads to one response only: Challenge Accepted.
We will do our level best to change your mind and bring you over to the bright side. 
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Mr Beer can get the most from a wine tasting by opening his mind, and trying the recommendations.


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Ms “Lipstick Queen”
• Ms Lipstick is very pretty. And she has a beautiful smile. But she’s leaving a trail of wax on her tasting glasses that we will never get off. We are also left wondering if she’s tasting a floral note in the wine, or extract of beeswax from her lipsalve. By all means dress up for your wine tasting, but try to go for a non-waxy lipstick, and blot. 

Mrs Purple Teeth confesses she is an erstwhile Lipstick Queen.  She recommends Nyx Full Throttle lipsticks. They don't transfer too much, and they stay on during the whole day.

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PicturePleasant? Really? That's the best you can say?
Mr “Pleasant”
• Mr Pleasant knows what he likes. He’s read the wine list and he’s figured out the most expensive wine we are pouring. He’s skipped the entry level wines and demanded to be served “the big one”. He’s described it as “pleasant”. In wine circles, that’s the equivalent of saying your girlfriend has “a nice personality”. When you’re drinking our most expensive wine, the cult classic, the one we love, the last thing we want to hear is “pleasant”. Hate it if you must. Don’t worry. We don’t expect you to buy a bottle. 

Mr Pleasant can get more from a wine tasting by asking the pourer for insights.  If he can't find the words to describe the aromas and flavours, the host will help by prompting with their own ideas.  
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Miss “Have you got Prosecco”
• Miss Prosecco knows what she likes. She also thinks she knows what she doesn’t like. She thinks she doesn’t like Chardonnay.
She thinks she doesn’t like red wine.
But she loves a bubble. Except, she doesn’t really.
What she really likes is lemonade.
Sweet Prosecco makes her day.
Related to Mr Beer, we’re not sure why she’s come.
She only wants to taste wines she already knows and loves. Seriously. That’s not the point of a wine tasting. Open your mind and let some of the bubbles out. 


Miss Prosecco could get more from a wine tasting by asking to taste the "fruity" wines, and she'll probably love all of the dessert wines on offer, white and red.

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Mr “Self-Service and hope no-one is looking”
• Mr Self Service usually starts out alright. He’ll try a few of the wines. He’ll make some witty remarks. He’ll even make a decent attempt at a tasting note, or ask for more information at the winery.
But as soon as our backs are turned, or we are busy serving someone else, he’s there like a shot...
“I’d just like to try this one again to be sure it’s my favourite,” as he fills his glass to the brim. “I brought my friend to try this one, is it okay if I just...” he’ll say, pouring them both the best part of what’s left in the bottle.

That cheeky charm, the flattery, you think you’re as beguiling as the wine, but really, you’re just a freeloader. 

Mr Self-Service is already getting the most from a wine tasting. He's noshing the cheese and drinking his money's worth in fine wine.  He needs no tips, but we beg you, please, leave us some for other customers.


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And finally, my insider tips for getting the best from any wine tasting.
 

Wine tasting is fun. It’s all about trying as many wines as you can and maybe learning something new. You could discover a new varietal, or what difference a vintage makes. Perhaps you’ll find out about a wine region, or whether or not oak is for you.

Ask questions. There's no right and wrong.  Although "pleasant" comes close. Don't be afraid to express your opinion. 

Have an open mind, tell the wine professional your likes and dislikes and they'll recommend for you.  

Don't be afraid to use the spittoon. That way you can taste many more wines and hopefully find the wine of your dreams. Hint: It won’t be Prosecco. 

Bonus Pro Tip: Wear black, or at least something that won't stain if your spittoon technique isn't up to scratch.  It's easy to get messy.

Use fizzy water to cleanse your palate between wines, eat the bread sticks or bread, but note that cheese etc will have an impact on the flavour of the wine.  

Take simple notes. If the tasting has a catalogue, simple ticks or scores will do.  Better still take photos of the wines you love with your smart phone so that you can find the wines again later, next time you're out wine shopping. 


Most of all, njoy your wine this weekend and try something new.  I recommend trying wine bars or stores which offer very small samples from oenomatic machines as a nice alternative to a formal tasting.  Eg Vagabond  or The Sampler (both have several branches around London), or The Tasting House in Reading.  
​If your local wine store doesn't have sampling on offer, put yourself on the mailing list to ensure you get notified of any tastings.
And, if you'd like a tasting at home, you can always host a Purple Teeth Party.

Cheers!

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I originally published a version of this article for The Grapevine Social. 

Pinky Blue

19/6/2017

 
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It is very rare that I buy a wine at £5.99 and rarer still that I find one worthy of blog post. But as Voltaire's Candide reminds us "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds".
And so this namesake rosé, and the insanely high UK temperatures, inspired a bout of optimism. This little pink number found its way into my Lidl basket. With 89 points from MW Richard Bampfield, I felt confident that this pink might chase my Monday blues away.


Pleasingly pale, it wouldn't look out of place at the finest of dinner parties, if you can get past the fact that the label doesn't exactly scream class in a glass.
Serve it chilled or even on ice, at your summer parties and barbecues, though, and this cheeky little blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan will bring a smile to everyone's face.


Dry, crisp and fruity, it has more flavour (to my mind) than the Brangelina Miraval rosé which will set you back over 3x the price. And against a blue sky and little fluffy clouds, it looks just as good.
Cheers!

A pleasing Lidl White

12/5/2017

 
I purchased this lovely Italian white Valentino Roero Arneis in Lidl around Easter when they were having their 20% off any 3 from their "wine crate selection". We finally got around to opening it this week and it was a stunning little white for, if I remember correctly, around £9 before the discount. A great price, almost amazing for a wine with a 90 point rating.
Similar Arneis wines from the renowned Roero region in Italy's north western Piedmont region could set you back as much as £15 so I was happy to give it a try.

Crisp, floral and complex, Mr Purple Teeth was immediately impressed with the long finish.
Sadly, my local branch had already sold out, but you may be lucky, and it looks like there is still stock online.
We enjoyed ours with a Salmon "wellington", fresh local Chatenay carrots and British green asparagus. The complexity of the wine paired well with our midweek treat.
This would also work well with light and fresh pasta dishes with fish, seafood or herbal sauces.
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Sadly the "buy 3 save 20%" offer is no longer in place. Nevertheless, I took a chance on what looked like a new arrival.
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At £9.99 this 90 point Bourgogne Chardonnay from the hills above Beaune, the part of Burgundy I used to visit when I lived in Switzerland, again seemed like a bargain.
We've enjoyed a few Chardonnay wines in the last week and this more than held its own. With just a hint of oak, the freshness of the fruit meant this worked well as an aperitif and didn't completely collapse under the weight of a confit duck leg with roasted carrots, purple sprouting broccoli and garlic.
I'll buy it again if I get the chance. Whether your preference is towards Chablis or Macon styles, there's something here to appeal.
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At a similar price point (£10) with up to 25% discount if buying any 6 bottles at Marks & Spencer, the Honeycomb Chardonnay by South Africa's Journey's End wines proved a hit at a mini blind tasting we held for fellow wine blogger Perfect Friday Wine, in preparation for her upcoming wine exams. It has a little more oak than the Lidl wine, but is still fresh enough to enjoy without food.
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The trio of Chardonnays I served for blind tasting last week.
Less oaky than the Catena (a regular favourite at Chateau Purple Teeth) it's nonetheless creamy and rounded with a decent body and another good value wine I'll buy again.
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Back to Lidl again, I was delighted to restock the Salento Primitivo I wrote about a couple of weeks ago. http://www.purpleteeth.co.uk/blog/a-lidl-tipple
At just £7.99, we have now enjoyed this 89 pointer 3 times and have a few more bottles on the rack. If you like your reds big and juicy, then go grab one. And it was great with that confit duck I mentioned above. #TipsyTuesday is definitely "a thing" in these parts, with side by side tasting of a white and red with dinner. Sorry doctor! At least the bank manager is a little more pleased with me.
Cheers!

2nd Lidl Tipple

19/4/2017

 
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A blog drought for months then 2 posts in 2 days, both written & published on the phone while still drinking the wine. It can only mean one thing. Another little bargain for Lidl.
Again, at £7.99 (I paid £6.39 with the 20% discount offer), the Val de Salis Saint Chinian blend of Syrah, Carignan & Grenache was better on day 2, Mr PT advised.

He'd enjoyed the Primitivo a little too quickly and we had to open a second bottle - tipsy Tuesday indeed.
I tasted it only on the day after opening, so suggest decanting or perhaps using an aerator, if you have one. Less dark than the Primitivo but with a little more body, notes of the famous southern French garrigue and a round, taniin structure backed by plenty of vanilla. Considering it was following on from Gambas al Ajillo (served with a white) with epic amounts of garlic, it had enough flavour to cut through. Mr PT also enjoyed it with some vintage cheddar.

You will enjoy this if you like Cotes-du-Rhône wines, softer Shirazes and Merlot blends. But don't leave it too late - stocks are already low.

It appears we have struck gold with our random purchases. But then, our neighbour, Richard Bampfield, Master of Wine, had selected and rated both wines highly. Even we pros follow the advice of experts we trust.

I doubt they will have any of the white I bought by the time I drink it next week, but if you fancy taking a gamble on my luck so far, it was the £8.99 Roero Arneis.
I'd love to hear from you on our Facebook page or via the comments below if you try this or any other bargain recommended by me. Meanwhile, I think Mr PT will be visiting Lidl for the third time this week.
Cheers!
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    Purple Teeth

    My name's Heather and I've been enjoying wine for over 20 years. I'm the 2013 winner of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Rhone prize for oustanding students at the advanced level.
    My mission is to share my passion for the myriad varieties of fermented grape juice, hopefully inspiring you to try something new, or to host  a Purple Teeth wine party in your own home or business.

    My blog mainly features wines you should be able to find on your local high street or online, and occasionally, I will review restaurants, travel and other forms of alcohol, since my qualification covers spirits too.  I believe it's important to enjoy the calories and the cash we spend on alcohol, and I hope my guidance can help you reduce the risk of making a bad buy.
      
    When I'm not drinking wine, you'll find me on the dance floor where West Coast Swing is my dance of choice. Socialising with the friends I've made there from all over the world has also brought me new adventures in alcohol!  And just in case you're interested, I also write a blog called Confidence Within.  You'll find it at heatherharrison.weebly.com


    Remember to enjoy wine sensibly...
    For a woman, 2-3 units per day is the recommended maximum allowance.  This equates to around one standard "pub measure" glass of wine:
    175ml of 13% alcohol wine is 2.3 units (and a scary 140 calories).  
    You'll find all the facts you need about safe, moderate drinking at the www.Drinkaware.co.uk site. 
    Purple Teeth supports safe drinking. Never drive or operate machinery after drinking alcohol.

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