I don't know a lot about football, but I know a lot more about wine. And I also know that with super late night fixtures, Brazil 2014 is going to be a challenging time for employers expecting bright and breezy staff in the mornings. To add insult to employers' injury, here's my pick of the wines to drink along with your football. I've tried to stick to supermarkets, since that's where most of my readers buy their wines...
| Let's start with the group our UK readers most care about: Group D If you're an England fan, you'll want to stock up on some English wine. All the English wines mentioned are stocked at WaitroseCellar.com and there should be a selection available in your local branch. They've got a 25% off 6 bottle offer in place right now, so what better chance to show your support for local produce, and try something new. It's for the team!  Uruguay also makes great wine from the Tannat grape. You might find the odd one in your local supermarket branch. Expect a sturdy, robust red. Costa Rica is not known for it's wine production so the Scots among us will have to drink Italian, especially on Saturday night. My supermarket Italian pick is: Tesco Finest Nero D'Avola (£7.99), a medium bodied but bold red from Sicily. See my review here. When it comes to Italian whites, most people can't see past Pinot Grigio, but I find that dull and rather uninteresting. Why not try a Fiano instead. Though I've not tried it, Tesco Finest offer one that's got a commendation and a 25% offer taking it down to about £6 a bottle. It should be offering peach, pineapple and apricot notes. Try it. You might like it! | England's Winning Team White: Crisp & Dry I love the Brightwell Bacchus (£9.99) from Oxfordshire and I'm not alone. It's got a Decanter Bronze medal. I'm also a great fan of Chapel Down Bacchus from Kent (£12.99) The Bacchus grape is a great substitute for Sauvignon Blanc fans. It's full of tangy citrus, and mouthwatering zing. It's always a hit at my tasting parties. See the Chapel Down outperform other wines here. Pink: Dry & Fruity Oaken Grove Benham Blush (£11.49) also has a couple of awards to it's name. It's made from from a blend of Pinot Noir and Bacchus grown in Henley-upon-Thames. This unusual fruit combination gives peachy notes, strawberries and cream with some refreshing apple. Red: Fruity & Spicy I can't make a personal recommendation on this red, as I've never drunk it, but given it's got a bronze medal from IWSC, if you simply must have an English red, you can dry the Bolney Estate Dark Harvest (£9.99) from Sussex. A blend of Dornfelder & Rondo, it should have red berry fruits along with spiciness from oak aging. Fizz: Bone Dry Nyetimber Classic Cuvée (£31.99) is considered England's finest fizz after it beat Champagne in a blind tasting. I reviewed it last summer. Fizz is something England does really well and there's plenty to choose from out there, so don't be afraid to try spending a bit less. The Sainsbury's own label English sparkling wine was a hit with my wine club last summer, but it's not showing in online stock right now. You may get lucky in store. Yesterday I tasted the Stanlake Park Heritage Brut (£17.99). It was really good, though you'll have to order it direct from them here. |
I'll be along with another set of "group recommendations" shortly. Meanwhile, whatever you're drinking to accompany World Cup Fever, do so responsibly, and make sure you turn up for work in the Morning!
Cheers!
Cheers!
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