An impulse wine purchase on the journey home needs three things. A network of convenient stores, some dependable bottles on offer and a guide to highlight the best of them.
The Co-op provides the first two and my selection of seasonal reds will give you the third
Although these discounts – which start today – end on 13 October, the judgements on the wines themselves should hold good until at least Christmas.
Click on – and bookmark – any of the bottles shown for an enlarged image that will help you find the wine on a crowded shelf.
Impressive Fairtrade, fair tasting fare.
Sourcing wine from Argentina’s La Riojana Fairtrade operation has allowed the Co-op to help provide a new school and a reliable water supply system there – and the wine can be pretty good too!
Try, for example, the medium bodied, spice and chocolate influenced 2014 Co-operative Fairtrade Merlot (£5.99 – instead of £6.99) with its bright damson and cherry fruit and muted tannins.
Forceful Chilean Cabernet
Over the Andes, the clay soil in Chile’s Colchagua Valley is also good merlot country but the acclaimed Montes operation also makes tasty cabernet there – as this example illustrates.
The long, nutty and menthol infused 2013 Montes Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (£5.99 instead of £8.99) has decidedly forceful cherry and blackcurrant fruit with lively acidity, a chocolate and cinnamon finish but only limited tannin.
Mellow but complex Rhone.
Back in Europe though, Monday’s equinox reminds us that autumn is waiting at the gate – but, more encouragingly, this time of year is also perfect for classy Rhone blends like this.
Ventoux is a hillier and cooler part of the Southern Rhone and, with the dark but juicy 2013 Delas Cotes de Ventoux (£6.49 instead of £7.49), delivers a mellow, cherry and raspberry centred red with complex contributions from herbs, vanilla, cloves and other spices.
