Wine Club 25 April

So herewith the Speccie’s 10,000th issue. Hurrah! And what finer reason needed to crack open some tip-top vino?

My old man, Cyril Ray, from whom I learned my love of the grape, was assistant editor here in the days of Brian Inglis, Bernard Levin and Katharine Whitehorn, having started his career in 1936 as a reporter on what was then the Manchester Guardian.

I remember him telling me that when he was first taken around the MG’s reporters’ room, a hunched figure in the corner was indicated. ‘That’s Gerald,’ he was told. ‘Make friends with him. He owns the typewriter.’

Needless to say, then, my pa would have been astounded at the technology required to get this landmark issue out during lockdown, produced as it was from various kitchen tables around the country. Large glasses all round, I think. Cheers!

And thanks to Mr Wheeler, we’ve a bumper offer with which to celebrate, comprising nine truly tasty wines from Chile (mainly) and Argentina, both countries famed for offering cracking value and quality. There is much here to enjoy and, NB, Mr Wheeler are still delivering.

The 2018 Veramonte Organic Sauvignon Blanc Reserva (1) from Chile’s cool-climate Casablanca Valley is light, fresh, zesty and deliciously uncomplicated. In short: the ideal aperitif. £11.50 down from £12.75.

I’ve visited Chile’s Errázuriz many times and love their wines, with the 2018 Errázuriz Aconcagua Costa Chardonnay (2) one of my favourites. Oak-fermented, it has complexity and the longest of lemony, honeyed finishes. It bears comparison with pretty tidy white Burgundy. £14.75 down from £16.00.

The 2019 Viu Manent Estate Collection Reserva Rosé (3) from Chile’s Colchagua Valley is simple, undemanding fare and daftly drinkable. It’s fresh and lively with plenty of summery red fruit and a clean dry finish.