The spice of life...

Variety, right? 

But we keep on buying the same wines, week in, week out. So y' know what's happening? Across the world we are planting more and more Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots and we are seeing less of the smaller, quirky grapes.  Or at least we will, if we don’t start exploring a little.

The Old World (traditional wine producing countries like France, Spain, Italy, Portugal) doesn’t always put the grape on the label, as usually the name of the wine shows a style. For example, a wine labelled ‘Chablis’ is a very specific style of wine made from Chardonnay, so the word 'Chablis' tells you the grape, the style AND where it is from (unlike just listing the grape). Grape isn't always (in fact, it hardly ever is) indicative of style.  But the problem with the Old World style is it assumes we all have this knowledge in our brains already. Which we don't.

Any idea?

The 'New World' wins points as it puts grapes on the label that we recognise and therefore buy. I think we need a little more joined up thinking - it would be good to know more of a style of a New World grape, but maybe it'd be useful to have the grape on the Old World wine? Then we won't all be so bloody baffled, or maybe we will revert for something different rather than Rioja, Cab Sauv or Sauv Blanc.

So, here's the deal on a few grapes that you may not have heard from, but I can highly recommend!

Picpoul

Piquepoul/Picpoul/Picapoll is the name of the white grape grown mainly in the south of France, in the Rhone Valley and Languedoc. It’s zinginess, acidity and apple/lemony fruitiness is simple, refreshing and delicious. Those who like the light and fresh Sauv-Blancs will enjoy this. Tesco Finest Picpoul De Pinet, £7.99 is a top banana example, its won an award too. Picpoul de Pinet is also a small 'appellation' (recognised wine area) down in the Languedoc, as well as the name of the grape, just to confuse matters.

Albariño

Yes, I know I have harped on about this before. But it’s my favourite and if you haven’t tried it yet, go out immediately and buy it.  It’s a white wine again, this time Spanish. The last recommend was a Sainsbury’s one… this one is from Morrisons, Vina Ludy Albarino, £7.99. Albariño is aromatic, giving your nasal passages a little burst of happiness before the fresh acidity and hints of peach make you feel oh! So happy inside.

Touriga Nacional

Sounds scary, right? It’s not – you probably will have tried it already in Port. A red grape, it also makes some great still, unfortified wines.  Yes – Portugal produces other stuff as well as Port. And it’s well worth sipping. This is an award winner from M&S (by the case, but once you try it, drinking six won’t be a problem – not in one sitting, mind). I guess it’s pretty similar to a big Shiraz, with cherries and sweet spice.

Try something different.... you will not regret it!