Robin Fitzgerald’s wine column
Our wine expert guides you through the wines of the week.
Wines of the Week
Montes Reserva Chardonnay and Malbec 2010/9, Chile (both a third off, �5.99 at selected Co-op and Somerfield stores until March 8). Excellent, rich, flavoursome duo. Creamy, lightly nutty, tropical, peachy, yet fresh tasting chardonnay - enjoy with say, lemon sole or sea bass.
Plus a powerful, firm, spicy, but smooth black fruited malbec with touches of chocolate and vanilla oak. Great with simply cooked steaks or richly sauced red meats.
Whites and Reds
Torres Vina Sol Chardonnay 2009, Spain (third off, �4.99 at Morrisons until February 27). Fresh and peachy chardonnay from the consistently good Torres stable, with grapefruit and vanilla oak also emerging. Herby baked salmon also approved.
Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2009, New Zealand (down to �7.99 at Waitrose until March 8). Upfront lime, melon and nectarine flavours to please you with say, seafood or white meats.
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Isla Negra Chardonnay and Merlot 2010, Chile (both half price, �4.49 at Tesco until February 22). Ripe, flavoursome (apple, pear and pineapple) chardonnay and then a smooth, cherry and plum fruited merlot we’ve come to expect each year.
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot 2010/9, Chile (both third off, �4.65 at Sainsbury’s while stocks last). The Devil’s cellar’s latest crisp and clean sauvignon with appealing mix of citrus, gooseberry and hint of peach. Plus their rich, smooth, plum and red berry fruited merlot.
Tesco Finest Organic Colchagua Valley Pinot Noir 2010, Chile (down to �5 at Tesco until February 22). Attractive, aromatic, multi-flavoured pinot (strawberries, cherries and redcurrants), made specially for Tesco by award-winning Cono Sur. Went down well with half price sirloin steak from the same store.
Wild Rock Gravel Pit Merlot/Malbec 2008, New Zealand (down to �7.99 at Waitrose until March 8). Unusual, classy, award winning blend - nicely oaked, plenty of character with concentrated, spicy plummy and dark fruit. Great match for beef or lamb.