June 2026:

It might be coming home?

Wine tasting this month had the theme of World Cup Countries. The whites chosen (from Sainsbury’s} were from England, Austria and USA. They ranged from £16 pounds (originally) to £8.50; all were well received and a little different. The English Chapel Down, from Kent, made from the Bacchus grape was very tasty, having a similarity to Riesling and was probably the favourite. The Austrian - Gemischter Satz - a field blend wine, was also light and fresh, a very nice Summer wine. However, the U.S.A ‘Buttery Chardonnay’, a Chardonnay with a twist, was a little creamier and sweeter and was met with mixed reviews.

The reds ‘supported’ Argentina, Portugal and France. Argentinian Malbec is always a good ‘go to wine‘ - a bargain from Morrisons. Portugal’s Ramos Family Reserva 2023 was from a family-owned vineyard in the Alentejo region was also well received. France - Vacqueyras – was a 15.5 % blended wine of 50% minimum Grenache grape, listed as a ‘Turbo charged Côtes du Rhône Cru‘  was a first for many.

Jane Coulthard