It's coming up for mothers day again folks and what better way to say thanks for 9 months free room and board than the gift of a wine she probably wouldn't pick out for herself because its different?
The good news is that there's plenty about these days as wine makers are all competing for shelf space. Some of them, like my new/old friend Bonarda (it’s a grape, not a south american porn star) are lesser known grapes that deserve mums love, and others such as the wonderful Shiraz Tempranillos currently coming out of Australia are different because of their unusual blend. Argentine Bonarda is a totally different grape from the Italian of the same name that you may have tortured your palate with on holiday by the way so do get the continent right when searching the aisles. It’s a low tannin wine with high acidity and, assuming you don't buy a cheap one, quite vibrant fruit that punches your nose and bear hugs your palate so they are superb with hard cheeses.
There are one or two Shiraz Tempranillo blends on the market these days and what must have started out as a drunken prank by a winemaker has turned into a winner. You could of course do what I do and go for a style that Mum is unlikely to have tried for years such as a good old Chateauneuf Du Pape with it’s classy embossed bottle or a rich, seductively smooth Amarone, both of which we will be taking a more detailed look at in the weeks to come.
Anyway, here's a couple of options but whatever you do, remember the 9 months free rent and don't skimp on the pennies.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Tradition, Gonnet 2015
Oh my, this one is classy with hints of spices, plums and all the layered fruit of a Christmas cake. Seriously, if your mum doesn't like this, ask for a DNA test.
Corney & Barrow £34.95
Cantina di Negrar Amarone della Valpolicello
Soft Autumn fruits, chocolate and hints of vanilla with a palate that's literally liquid velvet. If you add a cheese board to this one, your mum will be chuffed.
Waitrose £19.99
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