Wine O’ Clock with the Lynn News
First up, a fizz, the Roger Goulart Brut Millésime (N.D. John £15.95). I’m a big fan of cava and this is one the finest I’ve tasted.
Produced as a vintage wine, it has more character and complexity and can age, though not in my house. Pale yellow, the pearlescent bubbles lift aromas of apple, pear, pineapple, lemon, and yeast.
In the mouth, its stone fruits, citrus and a spiced honey note to the finish. Just thing for a summer evening in the garden.
Spanish rosés continue to impress and this summer I’ll be quenching my thirst with the Beronia Rose (Ocado £11.50). This is the very model of modern rosé.
Mid-pink, the clean, fresh scents of citrus, raspberries, rhubarb and melon provide the perfect entrée as to what’s to come.
Crisp, dry and sprightly, you can tell the winemaker team has worked hard to make this feel bright breezy. The summer berries and watermelon are underpinned by minerals and grape skin tones, but these are discreet supporting players.
The perfect aperitif, it’s great with fish, peppery salads and seafood.
My next recommendations hail from Valdeorras in Galicia – drive north from Portugal, you can’t miss it. This ocean-cooled region is a bit of hidden gem, one that offer reds and whites are stylish, fruity and with bags of personality.
The Maruxa Godello (Vinatis £13.72) is a joyful wine. Packed with green and yellow skinned fruits, Godello’s signature freshness is there, but it’s tempered by a richness that makes it feel mellow and supple. Serve this lightly chilled on its own or with white meats.
The Maruxa Mencia (Tesco £12.75) is destined to be one of my wines of the year. With its mass of damson, cherry, fruits of the forest and strawberry tones, spine of minerals and earthy spices on the finish, this is a real crowd pleaser.
Medium bodied, the lowish acidity makes it feel bigger and richer. I’ve had it on its, with baked mushrooms and a pizza and it’s been the perfect partner. Buy a case and you’re set for the summer.
Rioja is not only Spain’s most famous region, but also one of its most innovative. A great example of this is the Hohnen X (Sainsbury’s £10.25/£8.75 with a Nectar Card).
Made by the Aussie who gave us Cloudy Bay, fruit certainly leads the way with Dave Hohnen’s Rioja. Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and cherries populate this plump, mouth-filling cracker.
Tasting this blind, I might have said it was Australian, but there’s Rioja typicity to the leather and spice finish that reminds you of its origins.
Great fun and great value, sausages, steak and tomato dishes would be ideal partners.
Cheers!
Dining and Cooking