Tuesday Expressions
Welcome back Club Members!
I know, I have been super quiet recently but I finally emerged and am back with even more wine!
I have been out and about, searching for inspiration and checking out some new bottles around to try to get ready for the return of the Faraway Friends! And discovered some truly fascinating wines and will be sharing details with you in the upcoming weeks.
As always, if you need some tips between newsletters, head over to our Home page for reviews and discoveries.
Today’s mood calls for ….
Italian Expressions
Do you remember that lovely bottle of Furmint from M&S Found range I tried a few weeks ago? Well, I thought it was time to plan a trip to the local Marks’ as they brought out a new collection recently, Expressions. Pretty much all wines are £10 or under and feature less-familiar single-grape varieties from well-known regions.
As it was Tuesday, Accidental Wine Club Friend decided it was time for him to pick the wines. Why? Well, he thinks the ones I usually get are too nice and he really wants me to try a wine that I completely dislike. He didn’t succeed…
First on our list was something that shouldn’t be a surprise for you by now but more about it a bit later.
So, Expressions! Alvarinho is always a welcoming addition to an evening and this one was no exception.
From the cooler part of Northern Portugal, the original ‘Vinho Verde region’, Minho; this wine has ultimate summer vibes. A young, fresh white ( Vinho Verde literally means green wine, young wine ) with a little spritz. Welcoming floral notes on the nose followed by aromas of nectarine, lime and subtle hints of honeydew. Distinctive citrus tones alongside white peaches on the palate and then that acidity hits you! It lifts up the wine so much, the second glass is non-negotiable! Great minerality, delightfully refreshing with a zippy finish. Hard not to like it.
Name: M&S Expressions Alvarinho
Origin: Vinho Verde DOC, Portugal
Grape: Alvarinho
ABV: 13%
Notes: Floral, nectarine on the nose with hints of honeydew. Citrus tones and white peaches on the palate. High acidity, great minerality. Slight fizz to finish with some green notes. Very refreshing
Price: £10.50
Recommend with: Anything from the sea really, lighter white fishes or mussels. Also pairs very well with burrata and feta
Where: M&S Expressions Alvarinho | Ocado
Now to the second bottle….I do believe it will be a hard sell for most, ( it was a first for me too) showcasing a very unfamiliar single-grape variety, Falanghina. This ancient white grape, originally from Campani ( although this one came from a tiny vineyard in Puglia ) is essentially what the locals drink in Southern Italy. It is hardly planted outside this region and has no production internationally but apparently, there is a movement to restore its reputation.
Lovely citrus aromas on the nose, especially bitter orange, clementine and a sweet pine scent. Crisp apples and nectarines and a medium minerality on the palate. It has a much lighter body and a more delicate and lighter viscosity than expected.
It’s something you could just hand over to non-wine drinkers anytime. Non-offensive, easy to drink, organic and relatively low in alcohol. To be honest, I quite enjoyed it, however, I am not sure if I would run back to grab another bottle just yet. Especially because for £9.50/bottle, you could pick up a pretty good and more memorable wine anywhere and with a lot more to say.
But, one thing is for sure; after trying it, I am now on a hunt to track down that one Falanghina all the locals in Italy love. Will keep you posted!!
Name: M&S Organic Expressions Falanghina
Origin: Puglia, Italy
Grape: Falanghina
ABV: 12.5%
Notes: Citrus aromas on the nose, clementine and bitter orange. Crisp apples on the palate, good minerality and a light body. Organic wine
Price: £9.50
Recommend with: This was very good with a Veggie Pizza ( made a white pizza with lots of feta and mozzarella )
Where: M&S Organic Expressions Falanghina | Ocado
And the usual sparkling!
Australian sparkling rose wouldn’t be my first choice, maybe not even the second. But I was feeling adventurous and really wanted to make an effort to try different wines every week, especially those that I wouldn’t naturally pick. And this one is such an easy sell, compared to Falanghina!
What do you get in this bottle then? Pretty much everything most people love about fizz. Pearl pink colour ( it is a Pinot Noir Rose ), lively bubbles, fresh scent of strawberries and citrus aromas and a touch of sweetness. A definite crowd pleaser, even more so if you don’t know the group. And the verdict, would I swap the usual, weekly Crémant for this? Not yet, no, so keep an eye on the page, more Crémant to come!!
( Rewrite regarding price: I purchased this bottle at Sainsbury’s for £12 which was an offer. However, the price has returned to its original, which is a crazy £15.75!!!! I am quite certain I wouldn’t have gone for it at that price. But if it’s on offer, go and get one and enjoy the pink bubbles! )
Where: Bird in Hand Sparkling 750ml | Sainsbury's (sainsburys.co.uk)
Next time…
A special birthday edition( my late birthday, will fill you in ), with a lot of awesome wines, expensive champagne and a chocolate delice
Have a grape day!
The 4pm Club