What makes the decision for a supermarket or other retailer to put a wine in the "fine wine" section? I've often wondered, but never really figured it out. It's probably no more scientific than a price cut-off.  Nevertheless, whenever the new special offers are released, I always peruse the fine wine sections, in the hope that something fabulous has been heavily discounted.  Given the margins our supermarkets operate on, I try not to buy any wine there that isn't discounted.

My video review gives my first impressions on my very first tasting of this medal winning wine.  I apologise for my rather croaky voice. Having a head cold probably isn't the best time to record oneself, but for those that prefer to watch than read, it'll tell you what you need to know.

So why this wine?  
While perusing the changing special offers at my local branch of Waitrose, I got talking to Jacqui, their Wine & Spirits specialist. I always see the special offers as a chance to indulge in discounted fine wines. Jacqui convinced me to try Jip Jip Rocks, although at it's normal price of £10.99, it doesn't make it into the Fine Wine section.  
With 20% off until 13/10, it seemed like the right time to try it - given that it's now just £8.74.  
Grown and family made in the the Padthaway region of South Australia's Limestone Coast, Jip Jip Rocks is named after the large hunks of pink granite that are part of the Terra Rosa terroir which makes the region special.  Traditionally Padthaway was recognised as a grape growing area only with no wine making facility. Grapes produced were transported from the region to nearby Coonawarra and other wineries managed by the larger wine companies.  That's now changing, and a number of small wineries have opened up, although some grapes are still grown for others, including the prestigious Penfolds. 

The Hedonist (from the McLaren Vale region) is a favourite South Australian Shiraz at Chateau Purple Teeth, and among our friends and followers. Now retailing at £13.99,  it's become a little rich for our blood, particularly on a Tuesday night. The price has risen steadily from £8.99 since the 2008 vintage when we started to buy it, due to a combination of duty increases, currency fluctuations, and doubtless, it's popularity. Given it's in the fine wine section, I wasn't sure how Jip Jip Rocks would measure up.  

My first impressions were favourable. A huge chunky smack in the mouth at 14.5% abv, this is not a subtle wine. That's probably why Mr Purple Teeth absolutely loved it. Spicy, woody notes, even a hint of something herbal and lifted like mint on the finish, and a whack of deep blackberries, topped off with some bitter coffee. I have instructions to buy more.  It's full bodied and has an almost chewy viscosity, but the tannins are smooth and well integrated, so it doesn't feel at all drying on the teeth.  
If you like your wines light and fruity, this isn't for you.  But if you like a strong, deep wine that broods in the corner like a sullen but handsome teenager, do try this one. Great with steak, or even with strong cheddar, it is definitely a sipping wine if not consumed with food. 
​Other advantages of this wine, are that it's suitable for Vegetarians, Vegans and claims to have minimal sulphur dioxide.  I'm not sensitive myself, but some of my readers are, so I'd love your impressions on this wine.
And if you love The Hedonist, please do take my advice and try a bottle of this for comparison.  One day, we might even try them side by side and report our findings. 

Mr Purple Teeth summed it up nicely.  He asked the name.  "Jip Jip Rocks."  "Yes it does!"  He doesn't do subtle.  I'll have my Northern Rhone Syrahs when he's out.

Great value on this discount offer, try it and let us know what you think.
Cheers!

Short but sweet, here's my first attempt at a video wine review.

The key fact I forgot to mention about this pleasing, simple wine is that it's 12.5% alcohol. That makes it a bit lighter than many New World Wines and is achieved by early harvesting.

The lower alcohol means you can feel less guilt about the second glass you'll surely want.

At this price, a good mid-week wine for most, a simple aperitif, or, like me, an accompaniment to Chinese beef salad with a mandarin and ginger dressing.

It's available from The Wine Society  (£40 one-off membership fee). You'll find other Verdejos around for £7 and up.  
Cheers!

We've enjoyed some unexpected warm days this week, but autumn looms, and the nights are drawing in. We now begin to take on a cosier mood in the kitchen. We look forward to mushrooms aplenty, and game dishes such as duck, venison and pheasant, ore even wild boar sausage and mash.  

My favourite red at this time of year has always been Pinot Noir.  This noble red grape reaches its finest (and most expensive) expressions in France’s Burgundy (Bourgogne) region, and is also a key component in many wonderful sparkling wines from Champagne, Franciacorta, and further afield. In fact, there is more Pinot Noir grown in the Champagne region than in Burgundy itself.  You’ll also find great Pinot Noir from the Sancerre region of France (much more commonly known for its white Sauvignon Blanc wines), and some of it is even transformed into stunning pink wines.

Known for flavours of strawberry, perhaps cherry or other red berries, its soft tannins and refreshing acidity, it’s an easy grape to like.  Don’t imagine, though, that this is just a simple fruity red.  Depending on where your bottle is from, you’ll find a range of autumnal flavours, ranging from savoury truffle, mushroom or even undergrowth.  Generally light, to medium bodied, and a far paler red than most Cabernet Sauvignons or Syrahs, it can seem a more delicate or even esoteric wine.  It is worth trying as different styles to find your particular favourite, since it’s one of the most versatile reds when it comes to food matching.  

This versatility makes it a great wine to choose in a restaurant, since Pinot can pair perfectly with a variety of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes at the same table.




We don’t have the space for the book it would to detail all the regions growing Pinot Noir and their variations. Several volumes could be (and probably have been) written just on the regions of Burgundy’s Cote d’Or.  I’ve highlighted below a few of my favourites, along with their best food matches. And if you're interested, I've also written many blog posts on my favourites. 

Light, and inexpensive styles can be found from Romania, Moldova and other eastern European countries. These go particularly well with rabbit, or cold meats and autumnal terrines.  If you’re adding garlic, or serving spiced charcuterie such as salami, you won’t want to break the bank. Start here and you’ll find drinkable wines for around £5. Spend a couple of pounds more and you can also put a basic Burgundy on your table.  A very inexpensive Hungarian version made a decent showing at a Purple Teeth Tasting Party.

Fruity and almost sweet, slightly “jammy” styles can be found from Chile and California.  These can range from around £7-15. Ideal with seared salmon or tuna dishes, they also pair wonderfully with autumnal duck or partridge dishes, particularly those with a fruity or sweeter sauce. These work really well with Chinese styles of duck and pork dishes too.