Tastings November 2024

Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Brut

Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, which give this wine its elegance, finesse and minerality. This wine was created to capture the delicate cool climate flavours on New Zealand. The zesty and fruit vibrancy are simply unforgettable. The vines are grown on ancient alluvial river terraces and produce concentrated, pure variatal flavour alongside zesty acidity which is ideal for creating a super-premium sparkling wine. The wine is harvested early and they use natural yeasts to accentuate the Chardonnay character.

Available from Sainsburys.

TYPE Cuvee

GRAPE Chardonnay

ABV 12.5%

COUNTRY New Zealand

The animal is the Oyster which are a type of mollusk, especially a bivalve, which means they have a shell made up of two hinged parts. Oysters start life as male, but can change sex throughout their lives depending on the water temperatures. There are many varieties of oysters, including European oysters, Portuguese oysters and American oysters.

Sauvignon Blanc

This wine is the signature grape of New Zealand's wine scene. A floral nose, citrus aromas, notes of gooseberry and a crisp mouth feel are what makes this varietal so famous all over the world. Pair with seafood or Asian and spicy dishes.

Available from Lidl.

TYPE White

GRAPE Sauvignon Blanc

ABV 12%

UNITS 9

COUNTRY New Zealand

The animal is the Kiwi which is the native New Zealand  bird, however it has more in common with mammals than birds. It is the only bird in the world to have nostrils at the end of its beak. They have shaggy plumage whish resembles fur more than feathers and they can run as fast as a human being.

Terre Di Chieti Pecorino

This wine is produced in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The pecorino grape gets its name from the sheep, or pecora, that would graze on the grapes in the vineyards as they were being driven from pasture to pasture. This wine is crisp and citrussy with delicate peach and lemon flavours and a creamy texture.

It is a perfect match with pasta, salmon of chicken dishes and of course pecorino cheese.

Available from Morrisons.

TYPE White

GRAPE Pecorino.

ABV 13%

UNITS 9.8

COUNTRY Italy

The aninal is the sheep which are herbivores, eating plants, grass, seeds and forage. They are intelligent and can solve problems. They can remember how to find their way through a maze or find a treat in a puzzle. They communicate with each other through scent and also have rectangular pupils which allow for a wide field of vision to help them detect motion and flee from predators.

Sauvignon Blanc Blush

This wine is from the Colchagua valley which is central to Chile's wine production with the vineyards being closer to the coast.  This makes from a crisp and aromatic sauvignon blanc. It is a crisp, dry and fruity with tastes of blackcurrant and passion fruit. The wine goes well with grilled salmon and shrimp.

Available from Lidl.

TYPE Rose

GRAPE Sauvignon Blanc

ABV 13%

UNITS 9.8

COUNTRY Chile

The animal is the Inca Tern which is a sea bird so named as it inhabits the same range where the ancient Inca Empire once ruled. The Inca Tern has two striking features - it has a 'handle-bar' moustache which is shaped from a tuft of white feathers growing out from each side of its bill, and it has red bill, legs and feet so is quite striking to look at.

[Yellow tail] Merlot 2023

This wine come from the Casella Family, who emigrated to Australia from Sicily in 1957. The wine is soft and smooth with notes of dark plum, mulberries and subtle spice.

Available from Morrisons.

TYPE Red

GRAPE Merlot

ABV 13.5%

UNITS 10.1

COUNTRY Australia

The animal is the Yellow-footed rock wallaby that is a relative of the kangaroo. It is the largest rock wallaby and the most colourful. They have slender tails for balance and rigid hind feet for traction, managing to leap up to 12 feet and climb trees. They are nocturnal, coming out to feed in the late afternoon and live in caves resting during the day. They can survive for long periods without water by eating tree bark and roots.