Tesco and Secret Sommelier partnship wine by the case tasting[*]
As we start the descent into the Christmas period, some of the most exciting recipes and ingredients are appearing on our menus from oysters to succulent game. Over the course of week we set about tasting this crisp white case from Tesco’s Wine by the Case range and found some very snappy food pairings amid a swathe of great flavours.
Let’s taste it:
Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2015, South Africa, 12.5%
This sauvignon blanc from Stellenbosch, S Africa, is bursting with a mouthful of freshness.- Sauvignon Blanc really excels, and this one is super ripe and zinging with gooseberry notes. The tight acidity is a great match with the oily smoked salmon and holds it self very well against the pepperiness of the radish. A real cloud pleaser and a great value addition to this case.
Stellenbosch Sauvignon blanc 2015 from S Africa with smoked salmon on oat cakes - Available from Tesco
Storks Landing Fernão Pires Chardonnay 2015, Portugal, 12%
A well known and respected winemaker in Portugal; this has a distinct crisp apple and pear scent with a touch of something exotic. Nice bite of acidity that paired deliciously with peppered mackerel salad sweet potato. I would also consider drinking this with herring, marinated mussels… all of this said, it’s a great wine for social occasions too… while your chums keep chatting you swirl the glass under your nose quietly enjoying the purity of the fruity aromas as the wine opens up.
Storks Landing Fernão Pires Chardonnay 2015 with peppered mackarel with sweet potato salad - Available from Tesco
Viñas del Vero Luces 2015, Spain, 13%
Very nicely presented bottle - the label evokes the colours of Spain… but what does it taste like?
I enjoyed this very aromatic wine. A decent range of flavours including peach, lime and pineapple, and a touch of mango. It has a long pleasing finish which accompanied this dish with salmon, quinoa, green beans and broccoli. Really good value wine. Again this falls into a the party wine category because of its ease of drinking.
Viñas del Vero Luces White 2015 with salmon fillet, quinoa, green beans and broccoli - Available from Tesco
Origin Chenin Blanc 2015, South Africa, 12.5%
Serve nicely chilled and enjoy the wines character as it opens up in the glass to reveal a citrus aroma and delicate hint of apple with a touch of honied flavour. Quite versatile wine. Pairs very nice with roast chicken or turkey. It is a good sipping wine… so maybe get a couple in!
Origin Chenin Blanc 2015 with roasted chicken, carrots & butter beans - Available from Tesco
Barramundi Chardonnay Viognier 2015, Australia, 13.5%
The Aussie’s are usually associated with big bold wines but this blend of chardonnay and viognier is as zingy as we could hope for. The good pitch of acidity is balanced by pleasant flavours of citrus, pear, peach and nice tapering length.
Tastes perfectly well with carbonara pasta. The lively acidity cutting through the creaminess and leaving the palate ready for the next forkful of food.
Barramundi Chardonnay Viognier 2015, blended grapes for an extra dimension - Available from Tesco
Jacktone Ranch Chardonnay 2013, USA, 13.5%
Lots of Californian wines hitting our shelves here in the UK and it is worth trying them out. This chardonnay has a distinct melon aroma, touch of pear and then a texture on the palate as fresh a cold wet pebbles. The finish is pleasant too leaving the palate fragrant and jolly. A very nice addition to this case!
Probably better to describe the Jacktone Ranch chardonnay as the missing ingredient to many a dish. In this case it was a mushroom risotto with a dash of spice, herbs and saffron. A great mix.
Jacktone Ranch Chardonnay 2013 -
In summary:
This case is currently being sold by Tesco in the their ‘Wine by the case’ category. At £44 (~£7.33 a bottle) for a case of six it represents good value drinking. You can order the case online here:
https://www.tesco.com/wine/product/details/default.aspx?N=8137&id=295789818
By Nick Breeze, Secret Sommelier
*Commercial partnership with Tesco. (return to top)