Helen McGinn Thank you for all my lovely birthday messages, especially the one that reminded me I’m now old enough to know what really matters. On that note, I’m off to Menorca with a couple of BFFs for a long weekend. I’ve made a lasagne and left it in the freezer at home (for some reason I always think that as long as there’s lasagne in the freezer everything will be alright). And I’ve had my toes done and packed a good book. Now that’s beach body ready.
Current white in the fridge: Most Wanted Gruner Veltliner
Price: £7.99 - Buy From Majestic
If you’re looking for something a bit like Sauvignon Blanc but less shouty on the nose and with a more weight and welly on the palate, this is it. Usually, the GV on our shelves comes from Austria but this one’s from Hungary and half the price of most Gruners. Think peach, spice and flowers. Really lovely stuff but be warned, there’s not much available. And I’ve drunk a bottle already. Lovely with anything lightly spiced.
Current red in the rack: Marques De Casa Concha Syrah
Price: £10.00 - Buy From Tesco
This is a big wine, as Syrah should be, but not so big that it floors you. Rich and oaky, it’s full of juicy black fruits, spice and a touch of liquorice (in sweet form, I can’t stand liquorice. But in wine, when done well, I can cope). Made by one of Chile’s biggest producers from grapes grown in the Maipo region, this shows their best side. If you’ve got sausages on the table, open this.
