Life

Wine news: Off-dry Riesling that’s exceptionally fresh

Viverello Sangiovese Del Rubicone Italy (£8, M&S)
Viverello Sangiovese Del Rubicone Italy (£8, M&S) Viverello Sangiovese Del Rubicone Italy (£8, M&S)

Sainsbury’s Austrian Riesling, Taste the Difference, Austria (£8.50, Sainsbury’s)

The Austrian climate is ideal for the Riesling grape, allowing it to ripen perfectly. This is a versatile and food-friendly, off-dry Riesling that’s exceptionally fresh, pure and moreish, with alluring aromas of stone fruits and vibrant, up-front flavours of ripe white peaches, pineapple and orchard fruits, ending with a lively, juicy finish. A must with all your spicy Asian cuisine and Thai curries.

Tesco Finest Carmenere , Chile (was £9, now £7.20 until Oct 1, Tesco): A rich and well balanced wine made from Chile’s Carmenere grape. Deep in colour with gentle aromas of wild herb and balanced with juicy dark berry and plum flavours. One for sipping in the early autumn sunshine, scents of vanilla are framed by deep blackberry, with overtones of warm spice and black pepper. A great buy for the price; the plummy, black fruits are the perfect pairing with burgers, chilli and all the sides.

WINE OF THE WEEK

Viverello Sangiovese Del Rubicone Italy (£8, M&S)

A postcard from the rolling hills of Tuscany, this deep ruby red brings together the best of both worlds, with the floral, violet character of the Sangiovese grape. A very drinkable wine with a medley of raspberry fruit, with traces of plums and spice lifted by some cranberry freshness on the finish, it needs time in the glass for the flavours to really shine before diving into a spaghetti bolognese.