Did you spot our summer? It really was a case of blink and you will miss it so I guess we can forget about rose wines for the patio and look at something more hearty and warming.
Right now, if you want a wine that will put the hairs on your chest, but you don’t want to be rinsed in the process, the South American shelves are the place to search.
The only disappointment I’ve had recently from this region was a Carignan that tasted like black pepper and fresh mown lawns and a couple of Pinot Noirs, but the latter grape really has to excel to impress my snobby taste buds.
We all know the Argentinian Malbecs and Chilean Merlots are superb, but for a bit of adventure, try some of the Cab Francs or the Malbec based blends. I tried one last night with Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet and Cab Franc and it was sublime. The palate was packed with ripe dark fruits and tasted like it had been sieved through Granny's old leather sofa.
My hot tip for the South American wines is to seek out the high altitude vineyards if possible because the fruit is so much richer and vivid than the lower valleys.
Finca Sophenia Reserve Malbec
Deep rich autumn fruits with velvety tannins and a hint of cedar wood on the finish. Sublime.
The Good Spirits Co £22.70
M&S Collection Susana Balbo Malbec
A gorgeously rich high altitude Malbec with dense powerful fruits but a soft generous palate. Superb with grilled meats and cheeses.
Marks & Spencer £12
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