Archive For The “Drinks Reviews” Category
A Shortcut to Drinking Great Wines. But who or what is Romanée-Conti? It is an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and Grand Cru vineyard for red wine in the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy, with Pinot Noir as the primary grape variety. Wine from the vineyard is among the most sought after and costly in the…
But it’s from Grapes. Le Camin is one of the Famille Fabre estate’s hidden gems. It is an ‘Orange’ wine made with a very special vinification process. It is orange in colour but is produced from grapes in Le Languedoc in the south of France. Camin means “path” in Occitan, and is also the name…
So Dark Grand Cru 2016. Champagne lovers are in for a sip of luxury this festive season. Champagne de Saint-Gall unveils its most anticipated release yet. It’s So Dark Grand Cru 2016, available in 228 Tesco stores nationwide as the exclusive UK stockist. For the first time, Champagne de Saint-Gall offers its signature quality to…
Refreshing orchard flavours. This artisanal Pet Nat is something truly different. But what is Pet Nat? It is an abbreviation for ‘petillant naturel’, a natural sparkling beverage that is made with as little intervention as possible. In this case it is in reference to a French cider, Vranja Cuvée. After training in Normandy, Switzerland and…
Single Vineyard Collection. Tesco offers wine for every taste and pocket, and this Paul Mas Reserve Merlot 2023 from the Languedoc region is bound to be popular as we approach the festive season. In my opinion the Languedoc produces some of the most underrated and best value wines available in the UK. The region enjoys…
Warm Hands, Cold Drinks. This is a great step forward in the world of home mixology: the YETI Rambler® 20oz Cocktail Shaker. It is practical and beautiful and comes in all the expected YETI colours. Any serious bartender will appreciate this tough and attractive shaker, which is a step above most others on the market….
From the Limestone Coast of South Australia. This Tesco Finest Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid expression of both grape and terroir. Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is great value for money, batting above its price point. Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It originated in the Gironde in southwestern France. It…
The choice for holidays. South Africa is well-known for its quality Merlot. Originally native to Bordeaux, France, Merlot has been cultivated for 500 years or so and is now one of the most popular grape varieties. Steenberg Farm has a delicious expression of this. Steenberg Farm was established in 1682. One might expect the first…
Black tea with Christmas spices & fruits. Looking for an elegant gift? Wanting something sophisticated? Perhaps more acceptable than socks or a box of chocolates? Mariage Frères has some suggestions and one of them is specifically for Christmas. It’s Mariage Frères Noël Amour®. This company presents some of the best teas available and the impression…
Tesco Classic Wines. Marqués de Riscal is one of the oldest wineries in Rioja. It was founded in Elciego in the Basque Country of Northern Spain in 1858 by Guillermo Hurtado de Amézaga. Marqués de Riscal Reserva 2020 is a fine representation of their quality wines. The grapes used for producing this wine come from…
Thinking Inside the Box. This is a great idea for the holiday season, or any party for that matter. The Drinks Bureau Lychee Martini Cocktails come in cans – and also in a 1.5L Party Box which contains 10 servings. Throwing a party has never been easier. OK, there is still the food to consider,…
The latest addition to the US’ most successful whiskey category lands on British shores. Direct from Kentucky USA, Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey has made a bold entrance into the UK, as part of the latest innovative wave of single malts, ready to challenge the staunchest of Scottish single malt fans. While American and Scottish…
Argentinian White. Familia Zuccardi was founded in 1963 and has become one of Argentina’s foremost wineries. It is now run by the third generation, with Sebastián Zuccardi at the helm. Tesco Finest Chenin Blanc Torrontes is a great example of their quality wine at a reasonable price. Fresh, aromatic character Tesco Finest Chenin Blanc Torrontes…
Inspired by a Gaelic goddess. This is an independent, organic whisky distillery with a mission to create experimental spirits and pioneer sustainable production. It’s making its mark. The name Nc’nean is inspired by Neachneohain, who was an ancient Gaelic goddess. She was known as the Queen of Spirits, strong and independent, and a fierce protector…
Cape’s Celebrated First Farm. Steenberg Farm was established in 1682. One might expect the first owner of such an illustrious property to be a wealthy chap named Meneer Steenberg, but nothing could be further from the truth. Catharina Ras was the first owner of Steenberg. She was a young pioneer in an era when women…
Get ready for 31st October, 1st & 2nd November. Embrace the spirit of the season by planning ahead for Day of the Dead. Make sure you have bought a bottle of ultra-premium SUAVE Tequila to celebrate in style. Day of the Dead is fast becoming a calendar fixture in the UK and elsewhere, and this…
Vin de France. This is truly a trailblazer! Tesco Finest has partnered with winemakers in France to blend wine from the new hybrid Floreal grapes. The resulting wine is now exclusively available in Tesco stores across the UK. The Floreal hybrid grape is the result of crossbreeding two established grape varieties. It has been developed…
Kraken has Contemporary Flavour. They had me at ‘Spiced Rum’ but when Kraken offered me Caramel and Cornish Sea Salt Black Spiced Rum, I was convinced that this was likely the best in their range. Is it the best? Well, that is a matter of taste, but this Limited Edition should have wide appeal to…
Denominación de Origen Rueda. The very first Tesco Finest Organic wine to be produced, this wine is from the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, crafted by the award-winning producer Pagos del Rey. Viñas del Rey Verdejo Denominación de Origen Rueda is a great-value white to enjoy on its own or with food. Rueda is found…
Wine from the Cellier des Chartreux. If you are looking for a characterful white wine for these warmer days, then Chevalier d’Anthelme Blanc Côtes du Rhône 2023 could be for you. It is well-priced for its quality, and works perfectly with a variety of foods, too. Cartesians were one of the wealthiest orders of monks,…