Hilltop Hungarian single vineyard Gewurztraminer (2010), an organic bargain!
While I'm sure I'll always love Alsace Gewurz more than any other, I couldn't resist this when it was recently on offer at Waitrose for £5.99 (regular price £7.99). Paired with Prawn Pad Thai, and other Thai dishes, it faired reasonably well. There's less rose/lychee than you might expect from a Gewurz but it's nicely aromatic and stands up well to spice. At 11% alcohol, it's closer to "standard unit" strength per glass, so you can feel less guilty about enjoying it. Go ahead and try some with Chinese or Thai food, or a homemade stir fry. It's organic, and therefore, guilt free.
While I'm sure I'll always love Alsace Gewurz more than any other, I couldn't resist this when it was recently on offer at Waitrose for £5.99 (regular price £7.99). Paired with Prawn Pad Thai, and other Thai dishes, it faired reasonably well. There's less rose/lychee than you might expect from a Gewurz but it's nicely aromatic and stands up well to spice. At 11% alcohol, it's closer to "standard unit" strength per glass, so you can feel less guilty about enjoying it. Go ahead and try some with Chinese or Thai food, or a homemade stir fry. It's organic, and therefore, guilt free.
Villa Maria Marlborough Dry Riesling (2010), spiced up Sunday!
I'll admit, my cooking isn't the best, and you'll notice a theme - I like spice. We paired this with Moroccan chicken - a Nigel Slater recipe adapted over time with pine nuts, lemon/lime, a ton of garlic and chili as well as sultanas, cinnamon and served with sweet potatoes. I overdid the spice even by my standards and somehow this wine punched it's weight. A nice slightly oily texture cut through with tropical flavours. This has been in the fridge for a while so I can't recall where I bought it, or how much it cost. Sorry!
Marlborough is one of New Zealand's premium regions for Sauvignon Blanc but for me, this Riesling was far more food friendly. If you've not tried Riesling for a while, try it, you just might be surprised.
I'll admit, my cooking isn't the best, and you'll notice a theme - I like spice. We paired this with Moroccan chicken - a Nigel Slater recipe adapted over time with pine nuts, lemon/lime, a ton of garlic and chili as well as sultanas, cinnamon and served with sweet potatoes. I overdid the spice even by my standards and somehow this wine punched it's weight. A nice slightly oily texture cut through with tropical flavours. This has been in the fridge for a while so I can't recall where I bought it, or how much it cost. Sorry!
Marlborough is one of New Zealand's premium regions for Sauvignon Blanc but for me, this Riesling was far more food friendly. If you've not tried Riesling for a while, try it, you just might be surprised.
Tierra y Hombre Chilean Pinot Noir (2010) £7.99 from selected Marks & Spencers branches
I once made the mistake of recommending this on Twitter and it immediately sold out. You have been warned. It's a cool climate pinot noir that packs a strawberry punch. While Mr Purple Teeth is not usually a fan of Pinot Noir, or light bodied reds, somehow, this managed to meet with his approval. It's not jammy like a Californian nor as delicate as a young Burgundy. And being cheaper than both, it hits a great happy medium. We enjoyed it with Chili - funnily enough! It's 13.5% which is relatively low for New World reds these days, moderated by the cool Casablanca valley climate. Again, a premium region for this grape and a definite bargain - IF you can get hold of it.
I once made the mistake of recommending this on Twitter and it immediately sold out. You have been warned. It's a cool climate pinot noir that packs a strawberry punch. While Mr Purple Teeth is not usually a fan of Pinot Noir, or light bodied reds, somehow, this managed to meet with his approval. It's not jammy like a Californian nor as delicate as a young Burgundy. And being cheaper than both, it hits a great happy medium. We enjoyed it with Chili - funnily enough! It's 13.5% which is relatively low for New World reds these days, moderated by the cool Casablanca valley climate. Again, a premium region for this grape and a definite bargain - IF you can get hold of it.
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