Is there anything left on the shelves?
Happy Friday Club Members!
Isn’t it a bit gloomy outside? I am really hoping this greyness will pass as quickly as this week has! Luckily for me, there is plenty to look forward to, especially since I feel like I have been in hibernation over the festive period. Tastings, vineyard trips, new wine shop discovery and hopefully more delicious juice to try.
But if you feel like today is not the day to do anything or even to go out, I have the perfect treat for you.
And as always, if you need to catch up on our past newsletters then head over to our Home page where you can find all our favourites, in one place.
Is there anything left to drink?
I am not very keen on writing about bargain wine deals every week, I am sure you have gathered that by now. There are plenty of people out there who do it and I always prefer to find those wines that are somehow a bit cool, unique and different from our usual choices, even if they are slightly more expensive sometimes.
But when Christmas was approaching, I thought a lot about sending you weekly deals, maybe just this time of the year, but in the end, I decided not to. Isn’t it better to search through all those bottles without the added pressure of ‘must buy more wine that everyone likes’? I think January should be all about trying something new, for yourself. Or if you are like me, and still trying to catch up with those Faraway friends then this is the time to pick up a treat.
So below is a little list of some awesome wines I found ( and all online so you don’t even need to leave the house! ) and thought it’s worth sharing with you. And can confirm, some of these were definitely more expensive during the festive period.
York Wines
1. Roger et Didier Raimbault Sancerre Rose 2020 - Bin End
Aren’t we all a little bit partial towards Sancerre Rose? I know I am. Roses, light, delicate flavours of strawberries. Charming, elegant, ready to bring you those missing summer vibes.
Price: £16.84 down from £21.05
2. Petrucco Ribolla Gialla 2019 Fruili Colli Orientali DOC
Ready to try something new? This beautiful white from the North of Italy, from Colli Orientali of Friuli will be worth adding to your list. Aromatic and very mineral, made from 100% Ribolla Gialla grapes. Notes of grapefruit, wildflower meadows, green grass and fresh bell peppers. Very delicate and bone-dry, a great alternative to Chablis.
Price: £11.32 down from £14.15
3. Papale Primitivo di Manduria 2020
This would be my favourite pick for my Faraway Friend who finally returned but we still haven’t managed to enjoy a glass together. Made from 100% Primitivo, the perfect companion on these rainy, dark nights and will surely keep you warm for a while. Concentrated, full-bodied and rich with tons of beautifully ripened dark fruits. Label is damaged hence the price drop but the juice is faultless.
Price: £13.24 down from £16.55
Berry Bros & Rudd
Lots and lots of beauties here at a discounted price until the end of January if you wish to buy something a bit finer. But they also have a selection of some more affordable ones and they are pretty good too!
1. 2020 Isabel Estate, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
For those of you who are still craving sunshine and that glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc…this one has to be on your list. Needs some time in the glass to open up but once it does you can expect sweet and juicy passionfruits on the nose. More delicate on the palate but still on the tropical fruit side with plenty of ‘limes bursting out of their skin’ flavours and that zesty, crisp finish. Very lively.
Price: £13.65 reduced from £19.50
2. 2021 Eric Texier, Chat Fou, Vin de France
A wonderful blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 20% Clairette, this Vin de France is not to be dismissed. Pure and fresh array of strawberries and raspberries on display, perfectly balanced and very smooth with light tannins. Refreshing and very well-balanced, light and juicy, will bring a smile to your face. And try it slightly chilled, you will be surprised!
Price: £12.25 reduced from £17.50!!!
Vineyard Trip
Finally, it’s 2024 which can only mean one thing: time to do some work at the vineyard! Those who have been following my journey will remember the harvest trips and tastings but this time we will start with pruning. I don’t think people at the vineyard are aware of how excited I am about this. And I am taking Accidental Wine Club Friend along too. Quite certain he has checked the weather forecast for tomorrow already and has some concerns about the mud but hey, he is coming and we are making a day out of it! I am sure I can treat him to a glass or two at the end.
Next time…
The 4pm Club Christmas Party Highlights…might have to do Part 1 and 2 😉
Have a grape weekend!
The 4pm Club