Hot Off The Press
Posted by Laura on 19 Jan 2015
Victoria Moore followed up last week’s Telegraph article on Lebanon’s booming wine trade with a hand-picked selection of her favourite wines, including mentions of two from Great Western Wine’s Ixsir.
Ixsir Altitudes Blanc 2014, Lebanon
“Ixsir also makes a good red syrah-cabernet blend, more international in style than the Tourelles – the 2010 Reserve is in GWW’s sale – but I really liked this white. A blend of muscat (40 per cent), viognier, sauvignon and semillon, it’s floral but not OTT. Char-grilled swordfish and salty fried fish are its friend.” Victoria Moore, The Telegraph, 19th January 2015
While we wait for the 2014, the 2013 is reduced to £12.95, so it’s a great time to buy some of this delicious white. Victoria also mentioned the magnificent Ixsir Grande Reserve Red 2010 – reduced by over a fiver to £17.50 - a red to savour with next Sunday’s roast.
The Observer’s David Williams recommended this bright, fun, red Italian fizz - ideal with a wintery stew or bolognaise
Cantina Cleto Chiarli, Pruno Nero NV, Italy
“How to approach wine post Christmas excess? Some of us give up for a month, but there are better times for abstinence than the dark days of January. I prefer the frisson of transgressive pleasure that that comes with drinking styles that feel slightly inappropriate amid the austerity. Sparkling wines, for example, whether a decent, budget-friendly white fizz … or, to go with the season’s meaty stews, Chiarli’s vivid, ripe black cherry-filled sparkling Italian red, with its soft mousse and gentle tannic grip.” David Williams, The Observer, 4th January 2015
Lastly, Decanter magazine featured this fresh and fruity white from the one of the country’s best producers – a nice change to Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, and a lovely match for spicy Thai dishes.
Yealands Estate Pinot Gris 2013, New Zealand
“Made by winemaker Tamra Kelly-Washington who has previously worked in Australia, Italy and California, this is a pungent style of Pinot Gris with notes of apricot and quince on the nose. The palate is elegant and fresh, with flavours of watermelon and a pinch of ginger spice.” 89/100, Decanter Weekday Wines, February edition 2015.