Uncorking Serendipity with the Accidental Wine Club
It’s Friday again Club Members!
This week has flown by, we have been so busy, you know, trying wines! I am also going away for a few days next week and already picked some really cool places to go to for some wine and food, so keep an eye out for our email next Friday.
And of course, it is another harvest day on Saturday and it looks like it might be warm and sunny!
For those who joined us this week: if in need of some inspiration, head to our Home page where you can find reviews, tips and our favourite wines, all in one place.
Today’s mood calls for ….
A Toast to Elegance
As you know, I accidentally created a wine club, on a Tuesday night! Still only with 2 members, friend and me ( by the way, he is very excited to become ‘famous’ by these posts, have informed him it could be just a dream).
But I noticed as the weeks passed along that I was spending more and more time picking the wines. Where shall we get them from? What should we start with? And for the second bottle? Do we need nibbles? Oh, and I must get something for the Chef, he won’t want Albariño after work.
So it became a sort of short-lived tradition that we start the evening with sparkling wine.
I am very partial to champagne, pretty much the only drink I could say yes to any day of the week but I always gave a chance to sparkling wine. And you know, there are so many fantastic choices out there, especially if you don’t want to pay the high prices of champagne.
The reoccurring favourite is Sainsbury's Crémant De Loire, Taste the Difference.
Made mostly from Chenin Blanc ( one of the most versatile grapes in my opinion ) and some Chardonnay, this sparkling wine from the Loire Valley is probably your best choice if you want to ditch the prosecco but can’t quite afford a bottle of champagne. Same winemaking process as champagne but with a twist by using these grapes instead of the usual Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
It’s fruity and refreshing at the same time with notes of ripe peaches and honeysuckle. A lovely clean and zesty finish but without the toastiness of champagne. A touch of elegance without breaking the bank on a Tuesday night!
(Available at Sainsbury’s nationwide )
Name: Crémant de Loire
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Grape: 85% Chenin Blanc, 15% Chardonnay
ABV: 12.5%
Notes: Notes of ripe peaches and honeysuckle, lovely clean and crisp mouthfeel. Dry
Price: £11.50 a bottle
Recommend with: Seafood, and cream cheese but our favourite is lentil crisp!
Where: Sainsbury’s nationwide
Not a fan of sparkling but after something exciting to try?
Gewurztraminer has a very special space in my heart. The first wine I could recognise on blind tastings, this flamboyant white will always bring a sort of tranquil smile to your face.
It’s medium dry so perfect for those who are not a fan of zesty whites. The first little sniff will lift you up and take you to this magical, tropical place. With complex aromas of rose kernel, dry fruits and honey and that distinctive and unforgettable touch of lychee! Great intensity and well-balanced, perfect for those nights when you wish to be swept off your feet!
Origin: Alsace, France
Grape: Gewurztraminer
ABV: 13%
Where: Sainsbury’s nationwide, £10.50/bottle
A glass of wine in a country pub
Oh, the joys of living in the countryside! Endless opportunities to relax and recharge after a busy day, no crowds, no unnecessary chatter, just a peaceful drive home after a long day.
Yes, that drive might have to be daily, especially when the bus service appears once a day and no one knows if it will ever bring you back to the village. And the pubs! Since there is no chance of getting into the city, you start searching for places to have that little treat in a glass.
The first time I moved to the countryside I was faced with a different approach to wine in a country pub compared to the city. For some reason, it seemed to be acceptable to ask for a glass of white or red… Not mentioning the grape, brand, anything! Just a glass of white, that’s it! Aren’t people a tiny bit curious about what they are going to get? Or is it a test, should I know straight away what they are going to serve me? I can’t be that awkward one who asks for some sort of list! Watching my friend do it so casually, without any fear and with lots of confidence but me? No, I couldn’t. So what do I do? Well, quietly ask if they have Prosecco and hope for the best!
PS: I figured it out recently! The glass of white is usually a Pinot Grigio and the red is Merlot but no, I still can’t ask for just a glass of wine. Instead, I will discover all the Prosecco the countryside has to offer!
Next time…
Trip to M&S for some wine and more vineyard fun (wish me sunshine and no rain please!)
Have a grape weekend!
The 4pm Club