Liquid Lockdown
Through the bleak and boring atmosphere of lockdown, I’ve found myself drinking quite different wines to usual. The fruity and fun wines that I typically reach for in more happy and social times have been replaced by more serious alternatives that encourage thoughtfulness. I’m not exactly scouring maps of St. Émillion just yet or dipping into Super Tuscans but as there is so much negative news around (Trump’s downfall aside), I’m finding that a wine with depth and some evolution after opening, can provide a decent escape for an hour or two.
Here are 5 wines I recommend if you want to do the same;
Wild Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre. Riffault has a cult following and this is can be the deep end of natural wine for some. A portion of the grapes were subject to noble rot so expect really ripe fruit and amazing texture.
Serious Riesling from Alsace with amazing intensity. Rich and complex and has some decent age on it as well now. He is one of our favourite producers and this is one of his top cuvees.
Cabernet Franc from a village renowned for this grape. Aged in concrete egg and certified Biodynamic. A real depth of black fruit and something that reminded me of creme caramel! I had it open for hours and it kept getting better.
Syrah made from grapes just outside the famous Saint Joseph region in the Northern Rhône mean you get amazing value for money on this bottle. Deep, dark fruit flavours with the classic Syrah spice notes.
There are so many great skin contact wines coming out of Alsace at the moment and this is up there with our favourites. You get loads of tropical fruit but plenty of refreshing acidity. Great complexity, not one to rush over.
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