Although – dare I say – some of us may have a few miles on the clock, new things in the world of wine still emerge.
Equally, the maze that represent today’s wine aisles continues to be hard to navigate.
Both points are reasons for the MidWeek Wines recommendation platform.
It aims to provide a cosy corner of the internet where wine wisdom is shared.
The priority is dependable wine at affordable prices that will satisfy a broad range of palates.
Many reading this will know all that – and have become long-term subscribers because of it.
If that is you – many thanks for your support.
About a third of all site visitors, however, are not subscribers so here are compelling reasons why I think you should put that right.
- First and foremost, it’s absolutely free – no strings attached and no attempts to sell you anything.
- Its curated wine recommendations go out twice a week, keeping you in the loop with the latest discoveries.
- Content is much closer to real-time insights than newspaper column deadlines can ever allow.
- It can save you time selecting wine while also helping to avoid the disappointment of bottles that do not quite hit the mark.
So, subscribe today to sip and savour your way to even better wine experiences.
And, if you have already joined, encourage your friends to do the same – what better present can you give them?
Meanwhile, here come two liquid reasons why subscribing is such a good idea.
As is normal here, pictures and hyperlinks are provided where possible to guide you straight to the right wine on shelf or web page.
The first one is from Italy
2020 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico (£7.65 at the Co-op and 12.5% abv):
This is white wine that – deservedly – gets much love in the press and which sits at a price point close to what will probably become the “new normal”.
It hails from Castelli di Jesi, a wine region in the Marche region of central Italy, so called because of the area’s numerous castles and fortified towns.
The verdicchio grape that prospers there is particularly famous for the light bodied and bright white wines like this produced locally.
It delivers delicate apple and nectarine flavours supported by sharp, yet pithy, grapefruit acidity and a finish containing traces of flint and nuttiness.
And on to that bargain option
2021 Kooliburra Australian Cabernet Shiraz (£5.07 in Aldi’s Scottish stores and 13.5%):
Returning to the theme of the title, bargain priced wines like this will become even rarer under the new alcohol duty arrangements.
While I will seek out inexpensive but dependable options where I can, be warned that, increasingly, low prices are achieved at the expense of quality.
Sadly, the exceptions that belong on this site, are becoming rarer.
However, quality is fully acceptable in this uncomplicated, everyday red so grab some while you can.
Sweet edged yet with savoury traces, it is centred on minty damson and blackcurrant flavours.
These are accompanied by good acidity, modest tannin and touches of treacle, baking spice and chocolate.
NB: Prices may vary in different parts of the UK but the wine should be available in physical stores despite being shown out of stock online.
After today’s focus on the everyday end of the wine world, the next post (on Thursday) takes a broader look at what is available courtesy of the latest Lidl Wine Tour that starts that day.
