Out & About Summer 2018

FOOD & DRINK – JAMES ALLEN

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tipples

Beachside picnics, evening barbecues, afternoon garden parties all go better with a nice bottle of wine (as well as beer and other drinks). JAMES ALLEN has selected some light wines from local wine merchants, including a couple from Slovenia, which has a long tradition of making white wine, but has been rather overlooked… until now

Aix, Provence, France 2016 £15.50 GrapeSmith, Hungerford Summer isn’t summer without a great Rosé and the most exciting news when it comes to Provençal Pinks is that Aix, that used to only be available in magnums, is now available here at GrapeSmith in normal sized bottles, magnums and double magnums. A classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault; fragrant and delicate with notes of strawberries and watermelon. Perfect, and oh so pretty, for any summer party.

Terras do Cigaron Godello, Monterrei, Spain £12.99 The Naked Grape, Hungerford Like Chablis? You’ll love this! This wine just offers such great enjoyment and value, it really is unbeatable at this price. Great as a quaffing aperitif or with simple white meat dishes and so refreshing to discover something so unique and enjoyable.

Viognier, Domaine Gayda 2017 £10.35 Haynes Hanson & Clarke, Whitchurch

Cépage Colombard, Vin de Pays Côtes de Gascogne France 2016 £7.90

Haynes Hanson & Clarke, Whitchurch For lovers of aromatic Sauvignon Blanc styles of wine, here is a perfect, good value alternative from Gascony in south-west France. 100 per cent Colombard, this has fragrant grapefruit and lime aromas, the palate being light-bodied and racy, with lip-smacking citrus flavours and a clean, silkily-textured finish. A versatile white to serve with or without food.

Domaine Gayda’s location, high in the hills on the western edge of the Languedoc, gives a style of Viognier that is crisper and tighter in style than is often seen in Southern France. Pale lemon-gold colour, this 2017 is an attractive, pure, delicately peach-scented wine. The palate is light, dry, linear and finely textured: there is ample richness, yet the acidity is racy and the finish wonderfully lively and fresh.

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