Tipple of the Month – November 2016

Published on: 11 Nov, 2016
Updated on: 11 Nov, 2016

Jeremy Blood of the Surrey Wine School

Jeremy Blood from the Guildford based Surrey Wine School reveals his locally available “Tipple of the Month” for November.

At the conclusion of all my wine events I give guests the chance to vote for their most yummy wine of the night. It can get very competitive with people hoping the one they liked best is chosen.

To make it even more taste orientated I never reveal the price until after the polls have shut. I would like to think that people followed my choice but believe me my picks are normally the least favored!

So here are details of two winners from October that come from a couple of my favorite European regions and showcase grape varieties that have a real local flavour.

El Chaparral de Vega Sindoa, Old Vine Garnacha Navarra 2014, available at Majestic for £9.99 or £8.99 on the “Mix 6” deal.

The wine is made from very old vines 50+ years that benefit from Atlantic sea breezes helping to create a delicious wine with blackberry and raspberry fruit, soft tannins that add texture and a streak of bitter chocolate flavour.

My next choice is Martinez Marsala Riserva Dolce from Italy available at Marks & Spencer, £7.00. Marsala is often seen as cheap cooking plonk however this five-year-old wine is very special, made in the town of Marsala in Sicily.

Everyone loved the aromas of dried fruit, figs and caramel like winter in a glass!

The wine is fortified like Port or Sherry but has been made with blend of local white grapes called Inzolia and Grillo.