In its wonky curved bottle, La fiole is a familiar Côtes du Rhône on shelves. Its familiarity and friendliness, not to mention price, has made it an easy choice. Soft, perfumed strawberry, raspberry, some stewed cherries and subtle tannins to the short finish. This is a simple, inoffensive red to pour with casual fare.
Red Burgundy is never inexpensive but this simple village wine is a good introduction to what might make you a lifelong fan. Ruby in colour, it offers a raspberry bouquet with light notes of violets and oak spice; medium-bodied, dry, red plum and raspberry flavours excite the palate ending with a firm tannic finish.
Deep purple-ruby in colour with a cedary, savoury, herbal nose of blackberries; medium-bodied, dry, firmly structured with black fruit flavours and balancing acidity.
This red Bordeaux from the Côte de Blaye region is very well priced. Deep ruby in colour, it has a cedary, blackcurrant nose with a floral note. Well-balanced and firmly structured, it’s quite forward and ready for drinking — thanks to the splendidly warm 2015 vintage. Serve it with lamb.
Structured and fresh blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and other Rhone varieties with red berries and peach flavours. Tavel is the only appellation in the Rhone Valley to produce only rosé wines. A versatile food wine that would pair with everything from chana masala to lamb carpaccio.
Opens with delicate floral scents together with notes of tropical and citrus fruit. Citrus and green apple flavours emerge on the crisp, mineral infused palate. Somewhat leaner and less exuberant expression than the typical Pouilly-Fumé wines.
Very pale. Honey, clover flower, dry stone and hints of tropical fruits. The sharp acidity is matched by a thick, fat mid-palate that coats the mouth. It ends on a powerful, warm finish of great length. Savennières is a tiny appellation that provides some of the best expressions of the Chenin Blanc grape.