Drink, Wine for the weekend

Wine for the weekend – Campo Viejo

Wine for the weekend – Campo Viejo

Campo Viejo is part of the Pernod Ricard stable (which, amongst a host of spirits, also owns Australian producer Jacob’s Creek). And while there’s no need to be snobby about buying into a big brand, it’s worth knowing when choosing a rioja. The region has spent a lot of time and money trying to reinvigorate itself of late – as a quick look at the stylish labels in your local off-license will attest – thanks to a new generation of wine-makers coming to the fore. [Read more...]

Food & Drink, Wine for the weekend

Wine for the weekend – Chianti Riserva 2005 Villa Dante

Wine for the weekend – Chianti Riserva 2005 Villa Dante

On bonfire night, our drinks editor tends to break out her legendary hot gin punch recipe*, however, as the temperature remained impertinently mild this 5 November, she entertained with bangers, mash and a rustic Chianti instead. [Read more...]

Food & Drink, Wine for the weekend

Wine for the weekend – Mâcon Terroir de Charnay 2008 Domaine Cordier

Wine for the weekend – Mâcon Terroir de Charnay 2008 Domaine Cordier

Another wine to fox the “Anything But Chardonnay” crew, this delicious white will defy any expectations of heavy over-oaked flavours. [Read more...]

Food & Drink, Wine for the weekend

Wine for the weekend – Campass Barbera d’Alba 2006

Wine for the weekend – Campass Barbera d’Alba 2006

For oenophiles, the Piedmont region in northern Italy means one thing: Barolo, a truly great Italian red. Sadly, it is also often horrifyingly expensive, which is why we were delighted to discover just how good its neighbour, Barbera d’Alba, is. [Read more...]

Drink, Wine for the weekend

Wine for the weekend – Comte Leloup de Chasseloir, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie 2005

Wine for the weekend – Comte Leloup de Chasseloir, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie 2005

“Mmmmm… yeasty”: nope, it just doesn’t sound right. Nothing about yeast sounds deliciously appealing except if it’s in bread. Or, in fact, muscadet. [Read more...]

Food & Drink, Wine for the weekend

Wine from the weekend – Journey’s End merlot

Wine from the weekend – Journey’s End merlot

This Stellenbosch winery has picked up plenty of medals and accolades in its relatively short lifespan and the strong and succulent merlot we tasted at the weekend, with its waves of cherry and velvety finish, is good evidence of its growing reputation. £12.75 at Bibendum

Food & Drink, Wine for the weekend

Wine for a first date

Wine for a first date

You want to show you’re in command but you don’t want to be too flash or too hearty – no big oaky numbers that will scare them off. It would be a kind of compliment to order something elegant and unpushy, like a Riesling. Domaine Weinbach’s Cuvée Theo 2006 from the Clos des Capucins vineyard strikes a nice balance between steely minerality and fresh lime notes. Most Rieslings are low in alcohol too, (though not this one – 13.5 per cent), so if you’re really motoring you could probably order a second bottle. £25 at Justerini & Brooks (020 7484 6400; www.justerinis.com)

Drink, Wine for the weekend

Wine for the weekend – Mandrarossa Carthago 2006 Sicilia Nero d’Avola

Wine for the weekend – Mandrarossa Carthago 2006 Sicilia Nero d’Avola

Next month’s wine column has just landed on the drinks editor’s desk and, having read about some seriously juicy reds, her mouth is still watering (metaphorically). With this in mind, we rummaged through the Esquire cellar/office cabinet to pull out this tempting Sicilian number. Made from 100 per cent nero d’Avola (Sicily’s most important grape – nearest comparison is to a New World shiraz), this is a densely fruity wine – plums, raspberries and cherries – with gentle tannins. The great thing about Sicilian wines is they match incredibly well to the regional food, so serve with robust Mediterranean dishes. £16 at www.carluccios.com