Yearly Archives: 2015



Not much quality-wise between these two, although they are different in style  – a blend of the two worked very well! Asda Extra Special Pays d’Oc Viognier 2013, Languedoc, France (**£5 Asda) This has the nutty pear and peach flavours, but they’re reined in by crisp citrus acidity. Maybe the […]

Two Viogniers from the Languedoc




Albanta Albariño 2013, Rías Baixas, Spain (£12 Asda) Showing the exotic side of Albariño, this has a rich, almost Viognier-like nut kernel character plus notes of peach, passionfruit and lychee, but just when it was in danger of going a bit wobbly, a stony citrus side chips in to provide […]

Three Albariños from Spain and California


Lovely wine to waft in the faces of those whose Spanish wine explorations begin and end with Rioja El Pajaro Rojo Bierzo 2013, Spain (£10.97 Asda) Needs a little time to shake of the slightly rubbery edge of reduction – or in English, slosh it round a jug, it’ll taste […]

El Pajaro Rojo Bierzo 2013, Spain


Good pair of wines, perfect intro for those who aren’t familiar with Portuguese whites Tons de Duorum Douro White 2013, Portugal (£8.50 Tanners) Comes across like a Bordeaux Sauvignon that’s had a dollop of Gewürztraminer added, with its crisp tinned pear flavours pepped up with more exotic ginger and lychee […]

Two Portuguese whites