Helen McGinn So that’s January almost over and done with. Thank goodness; it’s been exhausting. But I have JUST the thing for anyone in need of a little r&r. Lime Wood, in the New Forest, is one of the most gorgeous hotels I know and their Herb House Spa is positively d-r-e-a-m-y. There’s a spa day for two up for grabs including lunch at the brilliant Raw & Cured. Seriously, the food is so good and so healthy you come out feeling bionic even if the only actual exercise you’ve done is walk from your lounger by the pool to the steam room and back again. To enter, simply complete the entry form (link below). In the meantime, here’s to celebrating February’s arrival. Bigly.
The competition is now closed.
Current white in the fridge: Zalze Old Vine Chenin Blanc
Price: £6.00 - Buy From Tesco
Basically, fruit salad in a glass. With added alcohol, obviously. Made from the clever Chenin Blanc grape, this is it in dry form (it does a nice line in sweet and sparkling, too). The winery behind this one is in Stellenbosch but the grapes are sourced from across the Western Cape region. Bright and bold with pineapple and melon flavours, it’s properly sunny wine. And given that it’s usually £7.50, it’s a bargain to boot.
Current red in the rack: Vinalba Patagonia Reserve Malbec
Price: £9.99 - Buy From Waitrose
Usually £12.49 but it’s currently on offer. From Argentina’s most southerly wine region, it’s a slight surprise you can grow grapes here at all. The landscape is desert-like but thanks to plenty of water from the nearby Andes, stuff can grow. Long hot days and cool nights mean the grapes have long ripening times which helps concentrate the flavours in the grape and, eventually, in the glass. This one’s pretty intense with juicy black cherry fruit flavours and lots of spice. In a word, hearty. Loves roast lamb.
Hi Helen, sadly the Waitrose offer has now ended (finished the 24th), the Vinalba is back at full price of £12.49
Shame! But still great value at that price. Thanks for letting me know.
Hello Helen, just wondering if we could get more reviews on organic wines ( especially reds)
Many Thanks
Maria
Hi Maria, consider it done! I’ve added an organic tab to the wine reviews and you’ll be able to search for organic wines once there are a few more on there. Hope this helps!