It’s officially Winter and almost the countdown to Christmas (eeeek) so here at Frost we decided to toast away what has been a glorious Summer and a mild Autumn with some beaut wine offerings.
For our White Wine lovers we have gone for;
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin
Villa Maria has long been a hit with consumers and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has continued to dazzle customers for a number of years now. As the most widely planted grape variety in NZ, Villa Maria have a few distinct Sauvignon Blanc styles dependent on regions of the country owing to the maritime climate. Here we try the Malborough Private Bin which features grapes picked from a combination of vineyards across two different valleys in Malborough. The result is an intense and herbaceous flavour noticeably distinguishable from Villa Maria Reserve Malborough wine which has grapes specifically from Wairau valley. Private Bin has a strong and fresh flavour alive with citrus and tropical fruits owing to the long sunny days and cooler nights.
This is a flavoursome wine and can be enjoyed without food but with owing to its strong flavour, a glass with dinner will go down well. We paired it with Chicken and Mushroom risotto.
Available from most good grocery stores. A full list can be found on their website:
RRP: £9.69 (Waitrose price)
For a hearty RED recommendation we chose;
Errazuriz Estate Series Carmenere 2017
This Chilean number is robust and pleasing owing to it being 90% Carmenere. The aromas are evocative of a classic wintery red with hints of black pepper, oak and nutmeg. A perfect fireplace wine. The balance of smoke and spice is the stand out essence which distinguishes this Carmenere variety, and ever so subtly sets it apart from the Merlot. The dash of Petit Syrah which makes up the other 10% adds to the aromatics of the wine.
Smooth tannins make this highly desirable on the palette with and without food and I would certainly recommend with rich dishes sweet and savoury due to the chocolatey nature of this wine.
RRP: £10.50