01 Dec 2023
This month I was fortunate to join the Laithwaites autumn and winter press tasting with Nick Taylor, head buyer at Laithwaites Wine and his buying team. We tasted 24 wines from 10 different countries.
From wines already in the range which have recently moved into the spotlight with the new duty system, to more classical regions and those under-the-radar finds discovered by Laithwaites’ buyers on the ground. And in this week’s edition of Wine Times, I’m going to share my top eight recommendations from the 24 I sampled: that’s a mix of four whites and four reds.
As always, their autumn 2023 line-up delivers on the core Laithwaites’ aim, which is “to take customers on a journey with wines that will consistently exceed their expectations, backed up with authenticity and a great story.”
Pfaffl HUND Gruner Veltliner 2022 (£25.00 Mix 12 £22.00)
This is a floral and aromatic white wine from Austria, made from the often overlooked, Gruner Veltliner grape. It has notes of honeysuckle, citrus and lime. The acidity is well-balanced, and the finish is moderate. It is a great wine to pair with seafood, salads, or light dishes. Only 1,500 bottles were produced and it has already picked up a host of Gold and Silver Awards.
Bleasdale Riesling 2022 (£17.99 Mix 12 £15.99)
This is a dry Riesling from the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, with a punchy lime and green herb aroma and a hint of beeswax.
The palate is crisp and refreshing, with pure lime flavour and acidity, and a slight oiliness to the texture. It is a perfect all year-round wine, ideal for drinking with oysters or chilli prawns.
Equilibrium Chenin Blanc 2021 (£14.99 Mix 12 £13.49)
This is a medium-bodied white wine from South Africa, made from the chenin Blanc grape. It has the fruit characters of bright apple, pear, lemon, finishing with a mineral freshness. It also has a zingy lemon brightness and a smooth mouthfeel. It is a versatile wine that can go well with a variety of dishes, from spicy curries to creamy cheeses.
Janna de Mare Alghero Torbato 2022 (£17.99 Mix 12 £14.99)
This is a rare and special white wine from Sardinia, Italy, made from the Torbato grape. It has a pale gold colour and a nose of straw, nutty apple, and ripe pear. The palate is dry and elegant, with zingy citrus, grapefruit, and white peach notes, and a salty minerality. It is a wine that can age well, and it is best enjoyed with seafood, pasta, or risotto.
Zind Chardonnay – Auxerrois 2020 (£25.00)
This is a top Alsace wine from France, but not as you know it. Alsace permits five varieties, and Chardonnay isn’t one of them! Hence Zind’s Vin de France status. It is a blend of chardonnay and auxerrois grapes, grown biodynamically by a 400-year-old family estate. It has a floral, peachy, pear and crisp style, with a touch of creaminess and honey. It is a wine that can please both Chardonnay lovers and haters, and it is suitable for any occasion.
Falernia Titon Reserva Syrah 2019 (£18.99 Mix 12 £15.99)
This is a powerful and elegant red wine from Chile, made from the Syrah grape. It has a complex nose of dark fruit, pepper, black olives, and smoke. The palate is full-bodied and peppery, with silky ripe blackberry, plum, and grapefruit flavours, and a salty minerality.
It is a wine that can age well, and it pairs best with grilled lamb or spicy dishes.
At this price it is well and truly punching above its weight!
Vina Bujunda Graciano 2014 (£17.99 Mix 12 £13.99)
This is a rare and mature red wine from Rioja, Spain, made from the Graciano grape. It has an earthy and leathery aroma, with notes of red fruit, cedar, and herbs. The palate is dry and smooth, with bright acidity and fine tannins. It has hints of cherry and charred oak. It is a perfect wine for drinking with cheese, cured meats, or roasted vegetables.
Cuvee Chemin de Traverse 2022 (£17.00 Mix 12 £15.00)
This is a smooth and fruity red wine from France, made from a blend of Carignan, Syrah, and Grenache grapes. It has a deep ruby colour and a nose of blackberry, cherry, and spice. The palate is medium-bodied and velvety, with ripe red fruit, pepper, and liquorice flavours. The finish is long and harmonious, with soft tannins and a hint of vanilla. It is a wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with grilled meats, cheese, or pasta.
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage 2018 (£18.99 Mix 12 £16.99)
This is a rich and complex red wine from Australia, made from a blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec, cabernet franc, and merlot. It has a deep purple colour and a nose of dried red fruit, blackcurrants, spice, and blueberries. The palate is concentrated and smooth, with layers of dark fruit, pepper, and vanilla. The finish is long and balanced, with rounded tannins and a floral touch. It is a wine that can drink well now or cellar for a few years.
