In a survey about their main problems buying wine, a big proportion of MidWeek Wines subscribers put “confusion at the wine aisles” top of their list.
The sheer numbers were one cause of uncertainty but so, too, were the unfamiliar names that often crop up.
Frequently, buying “what I know” – to avoid the risk of wasting money – means folk miss out on something actually better and, often, cheaper.
Helping remedy that is one of the aims of this site, so here are two wines with relatively unknown names that, I suggest, most wine drinkers can buy with confidence.
So, see what you think.
In the usual way, pictures are used to help you locate the bottle in question.
Starting in Romania
2022 Found Feteasca Regala (£8 in M&S stores):
For several years, Asda have stocked wine from the Fetească Regală (Royal Maiden) grape, so it is good to see M&S (and, of course, Ocado) joining them.
Mostly found in Romania, the variety regularly produces impressive but competitively priced crisp, floral white wine.
Pale but nicely perfumed, this particular version has a foundation of bright melon, red apple and ripe peach flavours.
These are coupled with good acidity, an edge of sweetness and suggestions of sherbet, honey and allspice.
And on to Italy
2020 Irresistible Salice Salentino (£8.00 at the Co-op):
A week or two back, MidWeeker Steve., felt that a malbec I liked was too oak oriented and suggested that many subscribers would rather have “really nice, upfront fruitiness (e.g. Negroamaro….)”.
Fair point Steve., and you are right to lavish praise on Italy’s negroamaro grape – so here is an example of why it is popular.
Given its luxurious depth and edge of sweetness, I wondered whether malvasia had been blended in this one (as sometimes happens).
Or, perhaps, the appassimento process was at work – but no; this is straight (but carefully aged) negroamaro.
Inky black and aromatic, it represents superb value at £8 with its rich blackcurrant and damson flavours.
The package is completed by gentle acidity, firm tannin and attractive touches of chocolate and thyme.
See you again on Thursday when I take a look at what grabbed my attention in the latest Lidl Wine Tour, which is now under way.
