PS Petillant Rose NV
A new release of PS Petillant and as dangerously moreish as ever! The refreshed recipe ensures the grapes retain the delicious ripeness gained from southern sunshine and by adding a broader range of grape varieties giving it an even more fruity depth.
Lightly sparkling, very refreshing - it is an anytime sort of wine. Simply chill well.
Available from The Sunday Times Wine Club.
TYPE Rose
GRAPE Rose blend
ABV 11%
UNITS 8.25
COUNTRY France
L'Occhiolino Sparkling Red 2021
L'Occhiolino is a gorgeous, appealing style that's been part of life in Italy's Emilia-Romagna since Roman times. But it's still a bit of a secret. In local restaurants, it's often not even listed. Instead, with a wink, the waiter produces a bottle from the cellar and pours his guests an irresistible sparkling glassful. It's an any-time sort of fizz, a delight dressed up in flutes or just as tasty served from tumblers on a picnic. Main thing is to chill it down so you can enjoy all its lip-smacking ripe fruit, sweetly spiced flavours and mouth-caressing bubbles at their juiciest best. The fresh ruby frizzante, with its light sweetness. At just 7.5% it's perfect for lazy lunches and sparkling conversation with friends!
Available from The Sunday Times Wine Club.
TYPE Red - Medium Bodied
GRAPE Red Blend
ABV 7.5%
UNITS 5.63
COUNTRY Italy
Torley Estate Cuvee Balo 2021
This Törley Cuvée Bálo, named after Zoltán Bálo, a champion of the cellar for many decades. The winery was founded in 1882 and, by 1896, had became a supplier to the imperial and royal court. However, two wars and Soviet occupation hit the company hard. At one point they had just four people trying to keep the company alive. But they survived and Törley rose from the ashes. Now they are once again Hungary's leading producer of still and sparkling wines. Törley Estate wines, are all made by the talented Gábor Laczkó. Chill and enjoy.
Available from The Sunday Times Wine Club.
TYPE White -Dry
GRAPE Sauvignon-based Blend
ABV 12%
UNITS 9
COUNTRY Hungary
Stones & Bones Ligeiro 2021
The original Stones & Bones red is an all-time favourite, adored for rich black fruit and spice. Delivered with a lower punch of alcohol, hence Ligeiro – meaning light in Portuguese. It took winemaker Vasco Martins many hours of blending to get it just right. As its name suggests, it comes from a landscape littered with ancient boulders and dinosaur fossils. A gorgeous blend of local and international grapes, where Touriga Nacional joins forces with Syrah, Tinta Roriz and Alicante. From a family-owned winery, awarded 'Best Producer of Portugal' at Mundus Vini 2021 and Berliner Wein Trophy 2020, it's a silky, old-vine Portuguese red, so supple and fruity, it's a pleasure on its own.
Available from The Sunday Time Wine Club.
TYPE Red - Medium Bodied
GRAPE Syrah-based Blend
ABV 10.5%
UNITS 7.88
COUNTRY Portugal
The Dip 2021
Beware The Dip, a demon dog of Iberian legend that stalks the night, preying on those who stray too far from the path. They say the hellhound’s senses sharpen with the scent of human fear, but those who go boldly into the dark will live to tell the tale. Inspired by whispered recollections of this bloodthirsty beast, comes a black-hearted red. Made with the darkest and strangest of grapes, sinfully seductive, black-fleshed Tintorera and blood red Tempranillo, it’s a formidable drink. Swirling with delicious wild fruits and smooth spice every sip, once you’ve tasted the wild side, there’s no return. Embrace here something out of the ordinary. Because with risk comes reward – you just have to brave The Dip. On your own or with seasoned meats.
Available from The Sunday Times Wine Club.
TYPE Red - Medium to Full Bodied
GRAPE Red Blend
ABV 14.5%
UNITS 10.88
COUNTRY Spain
After each tasting there was a short quiz. The questions were based on wine although some were very loosely related. The winners received a bottle of wine and a wine game.
