Helen McGinn There are daffodils in the garden and we even had a brief spell of sunshine for about three minutes a few weeks ago so, obviously, it’s time to talk rosé. Even if you do have to wear a poncho in the garden when you drink it. Now, Bandol is a sub-region in Provence and the wines can be on the expensive side but the Co-op has got a gorgeous not-exactly-cheap-but-not-outrageous one in their range at the moment, as featured on Saturday Kitchen a few weeks ago, so I’ve included it in this week’s reviews. Also, I’ll be doing another Instagram Live wine tasting with the lovely Kat Farmer over on her Instagram (@doesmybumlook40) on Thursday at 6pm this week. South Africa’s wine industry has been hit hard by the pandemic with sales of alcohol banned for much of lockdown so all the wines featured will be from South Africa, including the red in this week’s reviews. Join us if you can, I’d love to see you there.
Current rosé in the fridge: Domaine Barthès Bandol Rosé
Price: £13.00 - Buy From Co-op
Bandol is a small sub-region in Provence first made famous by its big reds made from the Mourvedre grape. But it’s the region’s fairly in-your-face roses like this one that are a real delight. You can pay around £30 a bottle for some (hello, Domaine Tempier) or you can snaffle a relative bargain like this one, hitting Co-op’s shelves around now. Love, love, love.
Curren red in the rack: Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvingnon Merlot
Price: £9.00 - Buy From Co-op
This Fairtrade red comes from one of the best spots in South Africa for so-called Bordeaux Blends. It’s mostly Cabernet and Merlot but there’s a bit of Cabernet Franc and a dash of Malbec in there too. The result is big and earthy with buckets of black fruits and plenty of texture and spice from time spent ageing in oak barrels. Fantastic value for such a great wine.
So pleased to see Rose weather this week! I have been out in the garden finishing The Knackered Mother’s wine guide. Thankyou for the recommendations!
Ah me too! Even if we do have to wear a few layers! Lovely to hear you’re reading the KMWG, hope you’re enjoying it! x
Love your wine choices, we avidly follow your advice and haven’t been let down yet, so thank you and keep them coming! Loved the Valle de Leyda Chardonnay
Ah thank you Sue! Really glad to hear it, thank you for letting me know x