ABSTINENCE makes the heart grow fonder
Lent starts next week – yet another reason to embrace self-denial and abstinence in our current mood of economic doom and gloom.
Somehow it’s hard to imagine the country’s bankers signing up for six weeks of metaphorical self-flagellation, however justified that might seem after the recent revelations.
But one thing that’s sure about giving up things for Lent is that you realise just how much you miss them. So if you’re considering holding back on the wine make the most of the few days that are left before Ash Wednesday for a reminder.
For a care-less pink treat, either now or to celebrate the end of the fast at Easter, Luis Pato’s sparkling rose is a breath of fresh air that might dispel the credit crunch misery for a precious few moments. Made from Portuguese indigenous Touriga Nacional grapes, it is refreshingly different and has summery bright cherry aromas and an attractive whiff of rose petals (£12, see www.corksof.com). For a winter warmer La Sabrosita Old Vines Garnacha (£4.99 at Marks and Spencer) is a good value Spanish red that conforms to the belt-tightening credo without compromising on impact. It is big, rich, with soft red fruits and hints of chocolate.
Another indulgent red wine is Allegrini Corte Giara Ripasso Valpolicella 2006 (£8.99 at Tesco). This undergoes a second fermentation on the skins of dried and concentrated grapes to give more body and depth. The result is an enticing gamut of baked red fruits and rich fruitcake aromas with a touch of bitter cherry acidity.
Italian influences also abide in Corsica in an interesting blend of Merlot and Nielluccio (the Chianti grape Sangiovese). Skalli Terra Vecchia Merlot/Nielluccio Réserve (£5.99 at Somerfield) is an intriguing and beguiling red wine, with lots of dark savoury, herby aromas and soft but firm flavours.
On the other side of the world, in South Africa, winemaker Charles Back has come up with a new twist on the French practice of adding a splash of aromatic Viognier to the Syrahs of the northern Rhone.
His unique idea is to add Viognier to South Africa’s “love it or hate it” grape, Pinotage. The result is a deliciously seductive perfumed wine with powerful, ripe and glossy blackberrry fruit. Charles Back Pinotage Viognier is £9.99 from www.sawinesonline.co.uk