Whilst unloading a recent delivery from one of our main suppliers the delivery driver handed me an extra box that I wasn't expecting. In it was a single bottle of red wine which I knew I hadn't ordered but it was shown simply as a "sample". It was a new line and the supplier had just sent the bottle on spec in the hope that I'd like it. It's arrival encouraged me to find out more....
I did some research and tasted the sample which proved to be rather good. We now have stock of this wine and it's the second of the wines featured below...
White Wine
2022 Domaine de Haut Marin No.7 "Venus", Cotes de Gascogne, France £10.95
This is a delicious example of Gros Manseng with a decent chunk of natural grape sugar deliberately left unfermented. This leaves the resulting wine ever so slightly to the sweeter side of medium which shows off the grape variety brilliantly. Why not chuck a bottle into your next order and give it a go when the sun comes out? It's suitable to drink on its own or with pate (which is what the French would do) but it works equally well with any oriental dishes that have a hint of chilli heat.
Red Wine
2023 Ciel de Nuit Syrah, IGT Coteaux de Baronnies, France £10.75
I think this is the first wine I have ever tasted from the Coteaux de Baronnies which is tucked away to the south-east of Montelimar. It's 100% Syrah and tastes a bit like something from the northern Rhone. Hopefully it won't be too much longer until the Sunday roast is occasionally replaced with a decent BBQ - this would be great with either.
The Spring "Pick 'n' Mix Offer" runs until the end of May (stock permitting). Please click here to view that offer.
