In May our presenters were Kim and Teresa who gave us a Brave New World of wine from places you wouldn't expect that type of wine from...
1. PORTUGAL: Hortas do Caseirinho Frisante 10.5%
Portugal may not be the first place you think of when looking for good fizz, but this is a delightful, delicate semi-sparkling white from the home of Vinho Verde which we reckon could give Prosecco a run for its money!
2. AUSTRALIA: Madfish Great Southern Riesling 2017 12%
This bone-dry Aussie Riesling has such incredible lime and lemon citrus intensity it really makes the mouth pucker! Concentrated, fine and precise, this is already singing in its youth, but will also develop more richness with time.
3. SLOVENIA: The Society’s Slovenian White 2016 12%
The Alpine foothills round Maribor in north-east Slovenia have long been a source of brilliant white wines. This exclusive blend of furmint, pinot grigio and riesling shows why, with good body and style combined with an Alpine-fresh lightness of touch and a faint prickle on the palate.
4. ITALY: Pietralata Sannio Greco, Janare 2015 13.5%
A grape on the rise. This generous southern Italian greco, which shares some of the viognier grape’s fragrant character, is well worth a go. Made from the Guardiense co-op's best Campania vineyard, where yields are low and the flavour is full and seductive, offering creamy food-friendly texture.
5. CHILE: Andesterra Merlot 2017 13%
Chile built much of its initial success on great-value merlot and this ripe, black-fruited wine shows that it’s still possible to find irresistible examples if you know where to look. With a touch of spice on the palate, this moreish red has excellent depth of flavour for a wine of this price.
6. NEW ZEALAND: Momo Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016 13.5%
Charm personified: a New Zealand pinot with complexity and poise. The 'baby' (which is what Momo means in Maori) of Seresin Estate's range is an exceptionally pure medium-bodied pinot. Fermented using only wild yeasts and given a year in barrel, this is pure and juicy, with mouth-watering redcurrant and cranberry flavours and fine tannins.
7. USA: Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 14.5%
This is rare - a Sonoma cabernet that doesn't break the bank (or taste of jam!). This full-bodied but elegant wine from old hand-tended vines, aged in new and old oak barrels, has a touch of smoky vanilla on the nose, plenty of cassis and blackberry flavours, firm tannins and a bramble-scented finish. Great with a Sunday beef roast.
All wines from The Wine Society, Stevenage
