I have one beautiful sherry for the cake recipes this week and then a host of new releases which have caught my eye.
2009 Tesco Finest, Soave Superiore Classico, Veneto, Italy (£6.99, Tesco). This is an exceptionally well-made wine and one which is at the peak of its powers right now. Dreamy, smooth, lemony and crisp, it is effortlessly classy and perfect for a summer party.
2009 Fleurie, Les Granits, Maison François Martenot, Burgundy, France (£9.19, SPAR). Serve this eminently classy wine fridge cold and watch the forest fruit notes perk up and soothe your palate on a warm summer’s day. Multi-purpose when it comes to food matching and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this delightful Beaujolais is a star.
2009 Extra Special McLaren Vale Shiraz, South Australia (£8.67, Asda). Made by the historic Tatachilla winery, near Adelaide, in McLaren Vale, this dark chocolate and plum-soaked Shiraz is a real treat for lovers of rich red wines. With silkiness and brooding power use this wine wisely with barbecued steaks and cheese platters.
2008 Château L’Hospitalet, La Réserve, La Clape, Coteaux du Languedoc, France (£11.99, Waitrose). This is the finest wine that I have ever tasted from this revered property in La Clape, in the South of France. Made from Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre it is a distinguished red with meaty overtones and a heroic finish.
NV Tesco Finest Cream Sherry, Spain (£5.29, 50cl bottle, Tesco). One of the most misunderstood styles of wine, cream cherry is blissfully delicious, with wonderful hazelnut, butterscotch and raisin notes and a gorgeous, tart, cleansing finish. Drink it chilled and you will be mesmerised with its allure.
