Downham Market-based wine columnist Giles Luckett recommends his favourite spiced wines
In his fortnightly ‘Wine O’Clock’ column, Giles Luckett looks at wines with a hint of spice…
There’s been a common thread in the wines I’ve tasted over the past couple of weeks: spice.
While certain grapes are noted for their spicy character - Gewürztraminer, Shiraz, and Tempranillo - spice is prevalent and welcome in a wide variety of flavours, as the following shows.
First up, an Aussie Riesling, the Robert Oatley Great Southern Riesling (VINUM £14.45). I’m a huge fan of Robert Oatley’s wines.
All are extremely well-made and offer a real taste of place. This is Riesling made in the Alsatian style. Lean, clean, and pristine, its fruit profile runs the gamut from green grapes to lemons by way of red apples and white peaches. The dry finish tastes of liquid minerals with a tart, spicy ending that makes it perfect for fish or Chinese food.
Next up is a Pinot Grigio, though not a Pinot Grigio as you may know it. The Villa Maria Pinot Grigio (Waitrose £11) also bears more than a passing resemblance to an Alsatian wine.
The nose is a strident blend of citrus, white blossoms and pink peppercorns. In the mouth, it starts as fresh and zingy as a Sauvignon Blanc before a wave of spicy pepper breaks over your tongue, ushering in dusty minerals and a taut, firm finish.
Serve this roasted poultry or earthy fish like trout or carp.
And so, to the reds. The Integro Negroamaro (Tesco £9.49) is a classic wine from Puglia in the heel of Italy.
Deeply coloured with aromas of cherries, almonds, spiced prunes, it's exotic and inviting. The palate is surprisingly fresh and lively.
While there’s plenty of blackberry, black cherry and plum fruit, the raspberry acidity and piquant spices add balance, keeping it from becoming overwhelming. Try this with tomato pasta or slow-roasted lamb shanks.
I’ll finish with a Chilean red, the Green Road Cabernet (Waitrose £9.99).
Sustainably made and using bottles that are 33% lighter (bottle weights are one of the hot topics in wine at the moment), it’s green and great.
The classic Cabernet nose of leafy blackcurrants, green peppers and mint comes through to the palate, where they are joined by juicy strawberries and a hint of red cherry.
The finish is soft and spicy, with Chile’s signature freshness and melding with a bite of allspice.
