Tesco Wine Club

More documents

Recommendations

Info

The wine-maker ’ s year: Summer A long hot summer. That’s what winemakers in Europe are praying for at this time of year. A stable period of good weather will enable vines to turn sunshine into top quality grapes and fine wine. James Griswood. In the vineyard From now until August wine-makers throughout Europe will be keeping a careful eye on the weather. Unlike much of the New World which can rely on constant sunshine to ripen grapes, we are at the mercy of the weather. A cold, damp summer can spell disaster. This is particularly true of regions that are only just suitable for ripening grapes such as Champagne and the Loire. Here much time is spent on canopy management; the process of opening up the leaves around the bunches by hand so the berries are exposed to as much sunshine and heat as possible. This aids the development of sugars which will eventually be turned into alcohol in the wine. As we get towards August and the grapes begin to change colour, a crucial decision is whether or not to carry out a ‘green harvest’. This is when some of the immature grape bunches are removed in order to reduce the overall level of the crop. Removing the tiny grapes while they are still green stimulates the vine into putting all its energy into developing the remaining bunches. This relatively modern practice is now common in fine wine areas such as Bordeaux, where quality is crucial. Summer is the crucial ripening time for grapes. By August the berries will begin to change colour in a process known as véraison. In the cellar, many fine wines are now being racked. This is when clear wine is moved from one cask to another, leaving the sediment behind. In the cellar Most wine produced in the world is made for early consumption and is not intended to improve with age. However, many finer wines benefit from ageing in barrels. This is particularly true of red wine, which may initially have harsh flavours and tannins that need to soften. As a result, last year’s vintages in regions from Burgundy to Rioja will all still be mellowing in barrels in the cellar. The majority will undergo occasional racking to remove sediment before being bottled after 18 months to 2 years. Bottling often takes place around now before the heat of the summer kicks in. However, some long-lived reds such as Barolo will remain in barrel for much longer, sometimes for up to 40 years. What’s going on down under? It’s the middle of winter in the Southern Hemisphere which is when the pruned cuttings are removed from the vineyard. Just like perennial garden plants, the best time to prune vines is in the middle of winter when they become dormant; around this time of year in the Southern Hemisphere. The dry prunings are known as sarments in France where they have long been used on barbecues to impart a sweet, smoky flavour to the food. This tradition was quickly picked up by Australians, thanks to their strong culture of outdoor eating. You often see bags of vine cuttings for sale down under from the previous year’s winter pruning. Simply soak the vine cuttings in water for half an hour and spread them over the hot coals. Then throw another prawn on the barbie, open a cold bottle of sparkling Shiraz and enjoy! 12 June 2010 Tesco Wine Club Magazine 54122_June Wine magazine_3_HR.indd 12 04/05/2010 17:10
Mature French Reds SAVE 44% This wonderful case presents a rare opportunity to enjoy three perfectly mature reds from Southern France. Each is just ready for drinking and at the offer price represents outstanding value for money. Corbieres Lionel Faivre, 1999, France, 12.5% From the excellent 1999 vintage this beautifully mature, full-bodied Corbieres is crammed with deliciously spicy blackberry, cherry and redcurrant fruit. Cairanne Village Perché Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne, 2003, France, 13.5% A neighbour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in style as well as geography but fortunately not price, this fabulous 2003 Cairanne, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, has gorgeous ripe plum and cassis flavours. Madiran Le Couvent du Château Peyros, 2003, France, 12.5% This 2003 Madiran, from South West France, is a blend of the fantastic dark Tannat grape and fragrant Cabernet Franc producing a rich, robust wine with enticing flavours of raspberries, spices and vanilla. ORDER NOW – internet and phone exclusive online www.tesco.com/wine or call 08456 77 55 77 £6.67 Equivalent 75cl bottle price 6 bottle case, 2 of each Quote ref. 066157791 NOW £40 WAS £72 SAVE £32 Exceptional French Whites SAVE 33% Featuring white wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire and the Languedoc this intriguing case shows exactly why France remains the benchmark that wine-makers across the world aspire to match. Chablis Premier Cru, 2008, France, 12.5% made from grapes grown in the Premier Cru vineyards, this classic crisp, dry Chablis has an appealing complexity of flavours; Les Champs Bordelais Sauvignon Blanc 2007, France, 12% a Bordeaux medal winner with the scent and flavours of tropical fruits; Herrick Chardonnay, 2009, France, 13% a refreshingly juicy Chardonnay with flavours of nectarines and peaches; Chablis Domaine Baillard, 2008, France, 12.5% delightfully clean, fresh Chablis with apple and citrus flavours and characteristic minerality; Maison des Princes Pouilly Fumé, 2007, France, 12.5% an award winning Sauvignon Blanc full of fresh peach and pineapple flavours, balanced by a lovely dry ‘flinty’ quality; Cordier Collection Privée Sauvignon Blanc, 2007, France 12% an exquisite lemon and lime scented medal winning Bordeaux white. ORDER NOW – internet and phone exclusive online www.tesco.com/wine or call 08456 77 55 77 £7.67 Equivalent 75cl bottle price 6 bottle case, 1 of each Quote ref. 066158064 NOW £46 WAS £69 SAVE £23 Tesco Wine Club Magazine June 2010 13 54122_June Wine magazine_3_HR.indd 13 04/05/2010 17:11
Page 1 and 2: JUNE 2010 GREAT WINES, 3 EASY WAYS
Page 3 and 4: Inside this issue Welcome to the su
Page 5 and 6: Cool Summer Whites HALF PRICE Three
Page 7 and 8: Earlier this year in the great trad
Page 9 and 10: Win a holiday to South Africa A lux
Page 11: Long Country HALF PRICE Three delic
Page 15 and 16: 6 bottle case Equivalent 75cl bottl

Tesco Wine Club

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?