Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Chardonnay. A.B.C…

Tasting Notes: “A.B.C.” I’ve heard this so often I can no longer be bothered arguing with it. If you aren’t prepared to try things, it’s your loss. Chardonnay is my favourite grape but I can see why; the trend for oaky, buttery,  head-ache-inducing, ‘big’, Aussie chardonnays like Lindemans Bin 65 & Wolf Blass two decades ago…

Vina Maipo Chardonnay (Classic Series)

Tasting Notes: Another offering from Chilean giant Concha y Toro. The only clue sometimes that a wine is from their stable is the ‘c y t’ listing under producer. I’m not sure why they’re so coy. This is very good ‘chardonnay’, actually a blend with added ‘other whites’. In South America I spoke to two wine…

Chandon Brut, Argentina

In the photo Vicky is practising her pout. Shortly afterwards she spilt most of this fizz, leaving us both pouting – and her smelling like a wino for the 17 hour flight from Buenos Aires to Heathrow… Tasting Notes: Pale yellow colour. Biscuity, slightly yeasty nose. Bone dry. Delicate fizz, with tiny bubbles. Region of…

Parra Alta Chardonnay

Tasting Notes: Attractive golden colour. Citrus and tropical fruit aromas and flavours combine to create a crisp fresh fruity palate. Not ‘oaky’. Parra Alta is a traditional way to grow grapes, where the vines are tied to grow upwards through the canopy of the surrounding trees. Region of Origin Mendoza Wine Colour White Price £5…

Argentina – land of Malbec (and more…)

Mendoza We visited Mendoza in Autumn 2016 and spent 5 days tasting a range of wine. The region – and indeed country – is synonymous with Malbec – but there was so much more on offer… Located in the eastern foothills of the Andes, in the shadow of Mount Aconcagua, vineyards are planted at the some of…