MIKE TIPPING finds three bargains on offer at Majestic, including an Italian white that makes for a brilliant aperitif.

QUALITY and value are what I look for when buying vino. I have to say, that is just what I got when I tried out some wines new to the shelves at Majestic. A minimum buy of six bottles, two of each of this week’s recommendations, will set you back just under £45.

If you want a white wine that will work brilliantly as an aperitif, then look no further than Barbi Grechetto 2013 from the Umbria region of Italy.

Grechetto, as its name suggests, has its origins in Greece, but today it is an important white grape in Umbria. This example, a veritable fruit salad of a wine, has lush flavours of apple, apricot, pineapple and mango, finishing with some almond notes.

Majestic’s Parcel Series range of wines, effectively the merchant’s own label, can offer very good value for money. It is certainly the case with The Parcel Series Clare Valley Shiraz 2012.

Make sure you give this chunky, easy drinking, Aussie red a little time to open out as it evolves beautifully in the glass. It is judiciously oaked and ripe with vibrant blackcurrant and bramble fruit flavours, contrasting black pepper notes and a pinch of mustard. It will match well with barbecue grub of course but also with meaty curry dishes like lamb jalfrezi.

Or for something to go with the Sunday roast, head to Spain’s Ribera del Duero wine region and Finca Resalo Emilo Moro 2013. This is a rich and juicy red made entirely with tinto fino (aka tempranillo).

Smooth and opulently fruity, with flavours of bilberry, raspberry and cherry, it shows sweet spices, vanilla and liquorice, all held together by some supple tannins.

Don’t forget that The Three Wine Men, the fermented grape world’s answer to the Top Gear team, will be in York next Friday and Saturday. Oenophiles Oz Clarke, Olly Smith and Tim Atkin, will be hosting tastings in Dean’s Park, next to York Minster. Tickets, which cost £25, are still available. Visit seetickets.com/Tour/THREE-WINE-MEN or phone 0844 858 6759.

 

Barbi Grechetto 2013 IGT Umbria, £6.66 when you buy two at Majestic 18/20

Parcel Series Clare Valley Shiraz 2012, £6.66 when you buy two at Majestic 18/20

Finca Resalo Emilo Moro 2013, Ribera del Duero, £8.99 when you buy two at Majestic 18/20