Want to appear savvy about wine selection?
Sometimes that can be achieved by “doing a Warren Buffet” (buying shares when others are selling, and vice versa).
In our terms, it means paying attention to wines that are currently underappreciated.
Oftentimes, that can be the result of lingering (and no longer justified) reputational damage from over-cropping and lowered quality half a century ago.
Riesling and Beaujolais are good illustrations where today’s outstanding quality is not recognised as fully as it should be.
The up-side is that underappreciated often means undervalued – and, hence, exceptionally keen prices.
Later, then, we shall look at an example where defying the trend will pay off handsomely.
The section on today’s other wine – the red – also has something to say about trends – but in a very different way.
In the good news department, that red also enjoys a 30%+ discount at the moment.
In the usual way, hyperlinks and pictures are used where possible to help you locate the bottle in question.
Not many people know about this (as Michael C. would say).
2024 Prima Luna Frascati (£6.75 at Tesco and 11% abv):
In its basic form, Frascati is light, uncomplicated white wine made with malvasia and (often) trebbiano grapes from volcanic vineyards in Italy’s Lazio region.
Sadly, though, high demand last century compromised quality and crippled Frascati’s status as a trattoria favourite.
However, that was an overhasty reaction since, as this example shows, even modestly priced – but well made – versions can be lovely.
Savoury edged with citrus aromas, it features white currant, apple and grapefruit flavours.
These are neatly complemented by nutty, butterscotch elements and zingy acidity.
And now the red.
2023 Tilimuqui Fairtrade Organic Malbec (£7.99 – instead of £11.99 until 11 March – at Waitrose and 13%):
Today’s introduction talked about trends and this wine certainly has two on-trend words in its name.
Sometimes, however, getting the right words on the label takes priority over the content of the bottle.
No such problem here, though, as this Fairtrade and organic wine ticks quality boxes too.
Aromatic and rich, it brings us smooth and ripe plum, black cherry and bramble flavours.
Support comes in the form of moderate tannins and a nicely rounded fruitiness that caresses the taste buds.
So, two nice wines to enjoy.
The malbec offers you a healthy discount but, if you have not tried Frascati for a while, do sample that Prima Luna.
See you again on Thursday when I take a look at another underappreciated grape variety that also can represent terrific value.
10 responses
“You are only supposed to blow the bloody doors off” was the last time I drank Frascati.
Not many people know that the iconic scene where the British owned and made Minis chased each other on the hyperbolic parabloid roof is the same shape as the roof on my. Wrexham Water world Leisure Centre.
So Tesco here I come in my Ford Fiesta Eco boost.
I should have known you would rise to the Michael Caine bait, Paul!
Strongly contrasting views on the Malbec from Waitrose customers on their website. Looks like it’s a Marmite wine – but as I like Marmite I will give it a go.
Yes, Chris., it does look like there have been some rogue bottles about but “speak as we find”, there was nothing awry with the sample bottle.
Mention of on-trend words on wine labels and their relationship with a bottle’s contents seems to be a hot topic at the moment. Coincidentally, David Williams in The Observer Magazine yesterday opened his piece with the following:
“From ‘oak-aged’ and ‘wild ferment’ to ‘single vineyard’ and ‘handpicked’ wine producers and sellers have a habit of dressing up descriptive phrases as implied shorthand for quality”
In the absence of being able to taste every wine before buying I guess such phrases are useful in allowing discerning drinkers to make choices linked to their values and prior experience. But ultimately I’m more interested in an informative tasting note of the kind Brian writes every week that gives a succinct summary of a wine’s key characteristics and value. With that in mind I’m up for trying today’s Malbec in spite of the reservations of some shoppers’ feedback on the Waitrose website noted by Chris. I enjoyed Brian’s recommendation of the Chilean Picos Y Rios Malbec at Waitrose back in January (£8.99 > £5.99) so I’m happy to have a punt on another discounted Malbec suggested today.
Hope it turns out OK Keith
Well pleased Brian that we can have this Frascati Prima Luna with such a strong recommendation. I’m sure my true love will treat us to a bottle when she next shops at Tesco.
Call me old fashioned but along with that Co op Orvieto Classico of a couple of months back it’s gratifying that wines of my earlier days that I still enjoy, are so readily available. The latter is £7.25 but the Co op do have another one, Campogrande by Antinori at £11 but I hesitate at that money regarding my usual Mid Week terms of affordability. Still, they are there for those who will ….
Bring on Italian olden times yeah ….
Ah! La Dolce Vita, another great film scene when the wonderfully statuesque Anita Ekberg arrives wearing not much with a cat on top of her head and showers in the Trevi fountain.
Marcello manfully takes his shoes off and paddles out to join her.
The good old Italian days-when I was a Mod with a Lambretta TV 175 scooter.Top speed 55 mph!
Never had you down as a Mod – but then not a Rocker either.
Both the Orvieto and that Frascati were, I thought, very much like the best versions of yesteryear – and not for too much more money.