And so to the final Top Tips for 2022.
One is a cabernet from a universally acclaimed part of South Australia that is seldom seen at this price yet still represents pleasing quality.
The other singles out one of the grapes often seen in Vinho Verde blends yet, here, shining brightly all on its own.
I hope you enjoy them both.
Once again, pictures and, where possible, hyperlinks are included to make it easier to track down the wine in question.
Starting on the other side of the world
2020 Best Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (£7.50 – instead of £10 in Scotland and “get 25% off when you buy 3 ‘Best’ wines” elsewhere at Morrisons):
Both offers end on 1 January and ABV = 13.5%.
Australia’s Coonawarra region is famed for its narrow strip of red, crumbly soil sitting on a perfect draining, limestone base.
Such conditions are tailor-made for cabernet sauvignon, as this example confirms.
Rounded and brilliantly balanced, it is centred around minty cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant flavours.
These are accompanied by fresh acidity and moderate tannin along with graphite, cinnamon and toffee touches.
And for the Portuguese Option
2021 Mimo Moutinho Portuguese Avesso (£6.99 at Aldi and 12.5%):
Although their wines are rare over here, avesso grapes (from Portugal’s Vinho Verde region) can be an absolute delight, as this example illustrates.
Smooth and delicately perfumed, it delivers bright melon, apple and white plum flavours coupled with sharp lemon acidity and a texture containing herbal and saline hints.
Join me again on Thursday when the spotlight falls on sparkling wine and champagnes for Christmas.
4 responses
Nice recommendations again Brian
Big fan of the Morrisons Best range, although I have noticed a slight drifting up of their prices/ cut back on promotions recently
Thank you Mark. Yes, prices everywhere – including at the premium discounters – are drifting upwards but some of the “Best” range – as you imply – still offer great vaue for money.
Hi Brian … there’s another Coonawarra Cabernet at Lidl that runs at around £6.50. From Friday over the weekend this one is down to £4.49! Best now Eddie.
Good call Eddie – thanks for pointing that out. I have not tried that one for several months, but the last time I did it was a decent bottle.