Lockdown Wine Diaries entry 2: Practice What you Preach

Delivery from Reserve Wines, Didsbury.

Hope you are all keeping well.

Somewhat ridiculously, I’ve discovered that I live within about a 15 minute walk of some stunning small parks and gardens (I’m ashamed to admit I’d never visited), a stretch of the trans-Pennine trail and some great pathways by the river Mersey.  It’s ironic that this is all as a result of having to stay at home!

My early morning exercise routine has changed massively over the last 4 weeks and I’m already planning (post-lockdown) longer walking trips and further exploration of an area I’ve lived in for around 20 years.

“But what of the Reserve Wines cases?” I hear you say.  Funny you should ask, as I’ve had a similar experience with wine too – even more ironic as I’m always suggesting to people that they should get out of their ‘wine buying rut’ and try something different – “what’s to lose?” I casually spout.

Rather than choosing my own wines, I threw caution to the wind and plumped for mixed white/red cases.  And, you guessed it, I’ve really enjoyed stuff I probably wouldn’t ordinarily buy and even ended up watching a great live Facebook tasting, by Waterkloof in South Africa – get me!

As with my previous diary entry, I’m not going to list all the wines or give detailed tasting notes, but here are some of my faves.

Whites

Ecker Gruner Veltliner 2016

I’ve tried the Zweigelt (red) from this producer, also stocked by Reserve and I LOVED it, so I was excited to see this in the box.  Austria is producing some fantastic wines, if you haven’t tried any, you should (there I go again). Many say if you like Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll enjoy this style (don’t expect it to be like a ripe Marlborough Sauvignon though).  This is a great quality wine, fuller bodied than I expected, dry, great acidity and delicious – I had it with fish, but it would be fine to drink on its own.   This is a ‘single vineyard’ wine, so all the grapes are grown on one site and the producer has a great reputation.  One word, YUM.

Waterkloof Circle of Life 2016 (suitable for vegetarians/vegans)

This is one I might not have bought, more fool me.  From Stellenbosch in South Africa, a biodynamic wine (more on that later) and an interesting blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Semillon.  The fruit flavours/aromas are very ripe, almost tropical, but balanced by lovely acidity.  I think I had it with Monkfish wrapped in Parma ham. I stumbled upon their live Facebook tasting, so do look out for those.  They use certain techniques during the wine making process, including leaving the wine on the lees (dead yeast cells) for a while and afterwards some bottle ageing.  Definitely another lockdown discovery I’ll return to.

Palacio Del Camino Real, Rioja Blanco. 2018

I’d forgotten how much I like white Rioja and whilst a lot of producers are going down the ‘fruit forward’ modern approach (generally without use of oak), this is a more traditional style with soft hints of vanilla.  Enjoyed a lot.

Reds

Sampietrana Brindisi DOP Riserva 

Puglia, where this wine is made, has a reputation for bold wines which can be high in alcohol.  I generally favour wines from the North of Italy, so it was great to try this.  It was lip-smackingly delicious.  Juicy, ripe fruits and not too full bodied either.  Made from the Negroamaro grape variety (meaning black and bitter), there is certainly a hint of sour cherries about it, in a good way.  Would be great with any ‘rustic’ pasta dish.

Domaine des Tourrelles Red 2017

So, for the ultimate curve-ball (and last stretch of the well worn analogy of this diary entry), a wine from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon.  This is like a riper version of a Bordeaux red – unsurprising perhaps as it is made using a similar blend of grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan).  Well worth checking out their website for details on how they make the wines and the history of winemaking in the Middle East – fascinating.

Gosh, what an education this has been and since I’ve had more time on my hands than usual, it has been great to learn more about the producers.  This is a real reminder that the UK is a fantastic place to buy a wide range of wines from all around the world.  It has also reinforced the fact that you can overlook a real gem, right on your doorstep, in this instance, Reserve Wines in Didsbury.  Try a case for yourself, or choose your own – they are happy to deliver to your doorstep and you might even get a jolly note from Kate!

For more information on biodynamic wines: https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/biodynamic-wine-guide/

Take care of yourselves and drink great wine.