Tag: Old World

Categories
Classy Crémants

Crémant d’Alsace Paul Mittnacht (France)

Bubbly’s take…

A fair few years ago, there had been some talk (… and concern) of Alsace region wines becoming sweeter. While we’re certainly partial to a sweet dessert wine, we’re pleased to report this Crémant d’Alsace is conspicuously dry. The Crémant d’Alsace Paul Mittnacht is also reassuringly strong, with notes of honey and ripe fruit. Though a potent and effervescent sparkling, we found its palate was evocative of autumn and harvest. We think this is a fitting wine for those nights when you want some fizz but you’re not quite sure what… give this one a go!

Would go well with…

The Paul Mittnacht is a robust wine so we think this would pair well with even more pungent dishes. While we did enjoy this Crémant all by itself, we do think this one deserves, at the very least, some nice canapés or nibbles. Perhaps some cheese or smoked salmon?

Where to buy…

OddBins

Categories
Sassy White Wines

Me & Monsieur Jones Blanc (France)

Bubbly’s take…

This quintessential white wine is made by a talented expatriate wine-maker in a sunny corner of southern France. When misfortune struck this winery, Angel Wines stepped in to get them back in business and refining their fare. This wine has a clean, delicate and citrussy flavour, being particularly refreshing when well-chilled.

Would go well with…

Itself. This is quite a gentle wine hence it’s perfectly pleasing on its own, not being overshadowed by other flavours. That being said, it might suit a lighter fish or pasta dish (Carbonara?). Otherwise, we think Me & Monsieur Jones would pair perfectly with a sunny afternoon in the garden with some friends.

Where to buy…

Angel Wines

Categories
Brassy Red Wines

Galodoro (Portugal)

Bubbly’s take…

This delightful red wine is produced in the Lisbon region of Portugal and is bursting with all of the character you would expect from a capital city wine. Produced from four grape varieties, the Galodoro has a rich, fruity and colourful flavour. It’s not too intense however and we found it has a fairly light after-taste – this one is not like those “heavier” red wines that sometimes carry too much tannin. We think this is a wonderful pick, which offers a great flavour and superb value.

Would go well with…

It’s a robust Old World wine so we think this would make a good match for richer pasta- and risotto-based dishes. We enjoyed a glass of the Galodoro with our meat-free Vesuvius ragu – think chilli, tomato, red onion, smoked garlic, vegetarian pastrami, mushroom, courgette with some lovely fusilli and a solid topping of parmesan. Delicious!

Where to buy…

Naked Wines

Categories
Sassy White Wines

Janus Pinot Grigio (Italy)

Bubbly’s take…

This dearly beloved white wine represents another fine example of enlightened Italian wine-making. Made in the Veneto region of Italy, the Janus Pinot Grigio offers a floral bouquet and fruity bouquet. The Romans portrayed Janus as a two-faced deity but we think this enchanting wine is anything but deceptive. It’s a clear, direct and refreshing reincarnation of the Pinot Grigio tradition.

Would go well with…

This one can definitely stand on its own – there’s enough flavour and fruitiness to entertain the palate. We also enjoyed this with a delightful home-made pasta dish; the Janus Pinot Grigio paired very well with prevailing flavours of lemon, garlic, parsley and sardine. For its versatility and depth of flavour, we think this wine offers excellent quality and value.

Where to buy…

Naked Wines

Categories
Other Surprising Specialties

Corte Molino Prosecco (Italy)

Bubbly’s take…

This is one of the drier Proseccos that we’ve tried. We had, mistakenly, assumed Prosecco was one of the sweeter sparklings though this one proves us wrong. It has a brisk, lemony and uplifting taste, and pairs well with a Friday evening after long week at work! This is a dependable and well-priced sparkling that should interest any Prosecco-lover.

Would go well with…

Well, of course this would suit anything Italian or even Mediterranean cuisine. That said, we enjoyed this with a delicious Vietnamese takeaway, being well-suited to the fusion of sweet, sour and savoury flavours.

Where to buy…

Co-op

Categories
Virgin Bubbles

Benjamin Truffer Alcohol-free Sparkling Muscato

Bubbly’s take…

This light wine is definitely fruity and flavoursome. Being a Muscato, it is certainly one of the sweeter virgin or low-alcohol wines that we have tried. But it is a cordial drink to enjoy and we believe it would be suited to those seeking a more adventurous virgin wine.

Would go well with…

We think this Muscato could be enjoyed in lieu of a usual dessert or fortified wine. Equally, we enjoyed this with Netflix!

Where to buy…

Marks & Spencer (in-store)

Categories
Virgin Bubbles

Nosecco

Bubbly’s take…

Crisp and pointed, this faux Prosecco most definitely tastes like the real deal. We enjoyed this amongst family at a cabin in woods-style holiday retreat. It is one of the most convincing low-alcohol wines we have tried. The Nosecco is a solid replication of a mainstream Prosecco, with its own underlying and effervescent character.

Would go well with…

Pizza!

Where to buy…

Tesco

Categories
Virgin Bubbles

Freixenet Alcohol-free Sparkling

Bubbly’s take…

Marketed as an “alcohol-free” wine, Freixenet sell this under a o.o.% volume label. Unlike many other wines in its peer group, which are frequently de-alcoholised to 0.5%, Freixenet’s alternative may be well-suited to anyone who wants a teetotal night. While very light and delicate to the palate, this quality wine blossoms with the scent and taste of fresh melon and grape.

Would go well with..

Fresh fish or chicken cooked with a light seasoning or sauce, pairing well with lemon, lime or mild cheese. Freixenet have, however, created a refreshing versatile drink, which would also accompany a light desert (of sorbet or ice-cream), cheese or canapés provided these are not too overpowering. Alternatively, afternoon, evening or at night, this makes for a great wine to enjoy on its own.

Where to buy…

Tesco

Categories
Sassy White Wines

Christian Patat Grecanico Bianco (Italy)

Bubbly’s take…

In our view, Christian Patat is an established alchemist of wine. This sagely wine-producer has already garnered a reputation as a wine-producing consultant, who knows where to snap-up the best grapes for his bottles. The Grecanico certainly does not disappoint and evokes warm memories of Tuscan countryside. This fabulous white wine is however Sicilian and packed full of flavours of lush Italian fruits. If you’re a fan of Gavi di Gavi then we think you’ll like this one too! This wine is crisp, flavoursome and refreshing, and one we feel definitely that deserves its place at the dinner table.

Would go well with…

We found this wine a delight to drink. Versatility also seems to be one of its strengths. As such, we think it would pair well with most courses and cuisines but it’s perfectly enjoyable all by itself.

Where to buy…

Naked Wines

Categories
Virgin Bubbles

The Italian Job

Some things with archaic roots, like wine, remain timeless and relevant to contemporary challenges. As medieval Italy grappled with the plague, it developed some ingenious yet practical solutions to beat the bug and keep the country appeased. The so-called “wine windows” were devised as a wise way of maintaining social distance while allowing judicious publicans to serve their eager patrons. Check out this article in the New York Post for the full story! YouTube also has a video of some of Florence’s classic wine windows…