Wine shopping

At the end of April life really does return to normal as it's our first Wine Tasting evening since February 2020. I really enjoy hosting these events; the choosing, the tasting note writing and of course the drinking.

As it has been a while I decided to focus on previous favourites with a few new discoveries. It's easy to always look for 'the next one'and overlook previously enjoyed wines. 

Easter always sees the supermarkets have wine promotions; having looked at them all I chose Morrison's 4 for £20 and 3 for £15, making each bottle just £5 which is an amazing price. 

I'll be writing about our evening after the event but here's the line up to get your taste buds going, the tastings will be in pairs.

19 Crimes - Revolutionary Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc 

Gary Barlow - White and Red (new discovery)

Cono Sur Bicicleta - Viognier and Malbec

Wolf Blass - Chardonnay Semilon and Shiraz Cabernet

Head Honcho - Chardonnay and Merlot (new discovery)

Head Honcho - Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon (new discovery)

With current restrictions we are not having a sharing buffet, everyone will bring their own 'supper' but I am plating up a few nibbles to match some of the wines. Everyone will have a 'pairing plate' I just need to think about what to put on it. 

As for our wine at home enjoyment it's been a short week due to the Easter holidays however we have enjoyed a super new red and a favourite white. 

Pinoso Cepa 50 is a wine we purchased at Great Grog when on holiday in Edinburgh. This 15% Monastrel wine made from 50 year old vines is full of deep dark fruits flavour with a lovely fig dominance. Although weighty it is a smooth wine with a lengthy finish; a great wine at the super price of £8.49

Our white was Le Rocher de Saint Victor Picpoul De Pinot purchased in Lidl but produced by La Cave de l'Ormarine. We have holidayed in this beautiful region of France many times; our first visit to the Languedoc was in 2002 when we stayed on the Abbaye des Monges vineyard. 

La Cave de l'Ormarine is located in Pinet and has a large range of wines including sparkling and sweet. We have been fans of Picpoul since that first visit to the region 20 years ago, it's amazing with mussels but equally good with any seafood or fish but not our friendly garden shoal. A great pairing with a fish supper from the chip shop. 

Le Rocher is a soft pale yellow wine with edges of lime green. Peaches and citrus are evident in its aroma and are also in its flavour which is long and refreshing. As well as with our dinner I enjoyed a glass outside in the sun thinking of our super times in Southern France. 

Talking of the south the South East of England will be our place of residence for a few days ... I wonder what delights we'll discover, fun times ahead!