Just as the change of season requires a change of clothing strategy (so long kaftans, hello jumpers AT LAST) so does the wine rack. I mean, it’s not like I won’t drink rosé in colder months but it just doesn’t taste as good without sun on skin. Anyway, a box of wine appeared on my doorstep a couple of weeks ago from Harvey Nichols. Inside was their September Edit, a selection of wines from their range picked to match the season. It might cost about the same as a pair of new season Veja trainers at £120 (sigh) but it’s a cracking idea. And most importantly the wines are all (absolutely) fabulous. One of the wines in this week’s reviews is from the case. The other is from Aldi and costs under £6. Edit accordingly.
Current white in the fridge: Exquisite Collection Australian Sauvignon Blanc
Price: £5.99 - Buy From Aldi
Lovely crisp Sauvignon from South Western Australia, this is an eye-opener. And a cheek-sucker. And a mouth waterer. Even though it has that unmistakeable Sauvignon DNA, it’s also refreshingly different to those from New Zealand or France with a herbal edge to its lime fruit flavours. An absolute steal at the price. Just add the sofa and some salty crisps.
Current red in the rack: Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo
Price: £24 - Buy From Harvey Nichols
The is one of the reds in the HN Wine Concierge September Edit case and it really is the most perfect September red. There’s something of the bramble fruit about it but with a whiff of summer pudding too. Nebbiolo is the same grape behind the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco and this is a great way to get a fix of tar & roses (wine buff speak for how Nebbiolo tastes) without having to splash out on the big name regions. Amazing with slow-roasted lamb.
Oh yes I’ve tried that white fran Aldi, it is delicious and very easy drinking.
From Aldi! Not fran lol!