Life

Wine news: A perfect Pinot Noir for summer dining

Sainsbury’s Vinedos Barrihuelo Rioja Crianza, Taste the Difference £6.25, save £1.25.
Sainsbury’s Vinedos Barrihuelo Rioja Crianza, Taste the Difference £6.25, save £1.25. Sainsbury’s Vinedos Barrihuelo Rioja Crianza, Taste the Difference £6.25, save £1.25.

New Zealand Pinot Noir, £5.49, Lidl.

If Sauvignon Blanc is New Zealand’s best white grape, then Pinot Noir can lay claim to being the best red as there is so much flavour in it. This example is ripe with stewed strawberry fruit, juicy and not too dry. It’s a moderate to light colour, being perfect for Pinot Noir; and the dry, lightly briary nose of cranberry and spiced orange fits the bill as well. This wine would pair well with many different types of tapas and is good enough to drink on its own too.

Sainsbury’s Vinedos Barrihuelo Rioja Crianza, Taste the Difference £6.25, save £1.25. Plus, buy any 6 or more and save 25 per cent until July 15. Founded in 1926, Bodegas Muriel is one of the largest family-owned and managed wineries in Rioja. The focus is on preserving the fresh characters of the fruit and enhancing these flavours with subtle vanilla character from ageing in oak barrels. An elegant red with spicy bramble aromas and concentrated black fruit flavours combined with a long savoury finish.

WINE OF THE WEEK

Piccini Memoro, was £8.50, now £7, Tesco until July 30. Memoro is a blend of not only different grapes of different origins in Italy but also of different vintages. Memoro, Latin for ‘remember’ is born from Italian pride. It has a warm, modern style with notes of dark cherries, figs and coffee in a delicate oak frame. Generous on the palate, revealing a bright fruity core. It is harmonious and soft with a long, dense finish. A real winner at the price.