I was snitched on last week. You know how it is – after a long, wine-soaked lunch in town, I tottered off full of bonhomie to catch the train back to Skid Row-on-Sea and, to ward off any incipient hangover, nipped into M&S for a couple of those little plastic bottles of rosé they have in the chiller.
I found myself a table, spread myself out a bit, hummed a cheery tune and beamed at one and all just to be friendly. The rosé had gone by Gatwick and it was good to be alive. Well, it was until I got home and found Mrs R on the doorstep with the rolling pin, hissing that I’d been spotted drunk on the train and must go straight to my room with no supper. That was my balloon pricked.
I came to these wines from Tanners expectant – and they didn’t disappoint
Three alcohol-free days were insisted upon, meaning I came to these wines from Tanners fresh, unsullied and expectant – and they didn’t disappoint. Indeed, I was so taken that we’re cramming nine in this week and, Robert Boutflower of Tanners being the gent he is, you can devise your own mixed case.
The Tanners Extra Reserve Rosé Champagne (1) is gorgeous. Produced by the exemplary Beaumont des Crayères co-operative near Epernay, it’s full of succulent wild strawberry fruit with the gentlest of mousses. It’s a steal, considering what the Grandes Marques charge. £32 down from £36.
The 2023 Domaine Beauséjour Sauvignon de Touraine ‘Les Silex’ (2) is textbook Sauvignon from the Loire, full of grass, citrus, asparagus and gooseberry, complete with a dry mineral finish. It’s so refreshing and such a brilliant aperitif. £11.70 down from £13.20.
The 2022 Fina ‘Kebrilla’ Grillo (3) is made from Grillo harvested in both Sicily and the tiny island of Mozia, which sits in the Stagnone Lagoon near Marsala. With creamy apples, melon and citrus and a touch of sunbaked herbs, it’s perfect for early summer. £12 down from £13.50.
Portuguese wines are de rigueur now and while most are made from unpronounceable grapes found nowhere else, the 2020 Quinta do Francês ‘Ianthis’ Chardonnay (4) from the Algarve is reassuringly familiar. It’s tasty, too, with peach and citrus, something spicy and a long, dry, Chablis-esque finish. The small family-run Quinta is one of Algarve’s top producers, obsessed with quality. £19.50 down from £21.50.
The 2023 Le Galantin Bandol Rosé (5) from France’s deep south is the prettiest of pale pinks, set off by a jaunty label. A blend of Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Grenache, it’s fresh, lively, fruity yet dry, and gluggably enticing. £16.20 down from £18.20.
The 2018 Tanners Spanish Reserva (6) is an absolute bargain, a Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from La Mancha in Spain’s very heart. Far from being over the hill as I had feared, it’s bang on, full of soft, ripe, dark berry fruit, vanilla and chocolate and a bitter cherry finish. £9.90 down from £10.90.
The 2021 Quinta do Francês ‘Odelouca’ Black Label (7), sibling of wine 4, is a Cabernet-based blend of five varieties that spent ten months in oak. With rich, jammy fruit and soft, silky tannins, it cries out for Sunday roast. £12.90 down from £14.40.
The 2022 Domaine Boudau ‘Le Clos’ (8) is as fine a Côtes du Roussillon as you’ll find, produced by brother and sister Pierre and Véronique Boudau at an estate hitherto best-known for Vins Doux Naturels. A Grenache/Syrah blend, it’s full of lush hedgerow fruit and a touch of heady herbs. £13.90 down from £15.40.
Finally, from Piedmont, Italy, the hugely enjoyable 2022 Crissante Dolcetto d’Alba (9) from a family-run estate famed for its Barolos. Although still showing some tannin, it’s engagingly approachable with spicy, sweet, dark concentrated fruit and a long dry finish. £15.80 down from £17.80.
All wines are available in unmixed dozens or you can create your own mixed dozen by calling Tanners and mentioning this offer. Delivery is free to the UK mainland.
Order online or download an order form.
Alternatively scan the QR code below.
Comments