Argentina – Red – 2005 – 14%
Region: Mendoza
Producer: Cavas de Weinert
Label: Carrascal
Grapes: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Deep red colour with a nose of raisin and peppery spice. Full bodied with smooth texture and soft tannins. Strong, slightly bitter flavours of jammy red fruit, very enjoyable. Probably not to everyone’s liking but a good value if it is.
Majestic £6.99
France – Rosé - 12%
Region: Corsica
Producer: Ambré Casanova Vigneron
Label: Domaine Casanova
Grapes: Merlot, Sciacarellu
Pale salmon colour, typical of southern France vin gris with a slight floral aroma. Dry with a mouth-watering acidity and refreshing character. First impression was that it was slightly salty – in a good way, reminiscent of a sea breeze. Flavours are soft and somewhat floral. This is a mass-produced non-vintage wine that’s priced to sell so you can pretty much guarantee it’s last year’s harvest. Really enjoyed this, great value and perfect for afternoon drinking or with a simple meal.
Monoprix (France) €3.50
Portugal – Red – 2006
Producer: Casa Cadaval Estate
Label: Vinha Padre Pedro
Grapes: Cabernet Suvignon, Merlot, Touriga Nacional, Aragones, Trincadeira
A dark purple-red wine with rich aromas of chocolate, leather, vanilla and blackberry. Full-bodied velvety texture and flavours of somewhat baked plum and blackberry jam, licorice and tobacco. Enjoyed this with Cocido Madrileno, great accompaniment for the chickpeas and meaty sauce. Pretty good value for those who enjoy a full-bodied wine.
M&S £6.99
France – Red – 2007
Region: Bordeaux
Dark ruby red with aromas of red berry fruit and smoke. Full bodied with a slightly matt texture. Much of the taste to the front of the mouth and the finish is not as long as one would hope for. Pleasant although not complex flavours of forest fruit in a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Purchased this at a third off which was OK but couldn’t say that the regular price represents good value.
Majestic £9.99
France – Red – 2000
Region: Bordeaux
Producer: A. de Raignae Viticulture
Label: Chateau de L’Abbaye de Saint Ferme
Merlot 40%, Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Cabernet Franc 20%. A welcoming deep red colour with a tinge of brick. Red berry fruit aromas with blackcurrant to the fore as well as a slight sawdust character. Full bodied, mouth watering flavours of berry, currants and plum. When first opened, flavours and texture were quite harsh but smoothed nicely a couple hours after decanting. Pleasant drinking and reasonable value.
Majestic £6.99
