Focus on Cairanne & Lirac: Two Côtes du Rhône Cru

Photo credit: Liam Dickson @dicksonliam

A look at two lesser known Côtes du Rhône ‘Cru’

Côtes du Rhône wine fans, listen up. Did you know that this fabulously reliable, versatile and value for money wine appellation (appellation means production area with rules) has different levels of brilliance? In this article, I explain the various quality levels of Côtes du Rhône wines, from the entry level Côtes du Rhône AOC, up through Côtes du Rhône-Villages AOC to the top of the tree: the very special, Côtes du Rhône ‘Cru’. 

In most Côtes du Rhône wines, the grapes are harvested from several villages. In the sixteen ‘Cru’ wines that exist however, the villages they are named after have been deemed so good that the grapes only come from there. I’ve talked about Rasteau AOC before here but it’s two of the other Cru that I got to wax lyrical about at a recent ‘Unexpected’ wine tasting: Cairanne AOC and Lirac AOC. Here’s what you need to know and a few to try. 

Photo credit: Liam Dickson @dicksonliam

Cairanne AOC and Lirac AOC

Cairanne and Lirac are the youngest and the oldest Cru in the Côtes du Rhône but they have a lot in common. First of all, they share an incredible community spirit, where winemaking is an integral part of just about everyone’s lives. Secondly, there is a huge focus on organic and sustainable farming, where the communities work together to ensure that the vineyards are still here and the wines enjoyed for generations to come. And thirdly, each appellation has a true love affair with its soils and ‘terroir*, knowing exactly what qualities each will give the final style of the wine. Sand? Well, that will add finesse. Large stone ‘galets’? Powerful wines! And chalk? It’s great for adding grip and tannins. 

Cairanne

Known as the gateway to the southern Rhone from the North, Cairanne is the newest talent in the Cru pool, achieving its Cru status relatively recently in 2016. Located on rocky, sunny hills just on the left (East) bank of the river and to the north west of Vaucluse, this single village makes up the entire Cairanne appellation. It’s not hard to imagine why when you discover the Mediterranean climate with lots of sunshine and the cooling, drying Mistral winds, which keep the vines so healthy. 

The wines of Cairanne

95% of the wines here are red, 5% are white and there is no pink at all! It stands to reason then that the reds are pretty serious. Favouring Syrah and lots of old vine Grenache and some Mourvèdre, the style of red wine here is full-bodied, velvety smooth, packed with red and black fruit and with a peppery finish. If you want to taste high class, classic, Rhône reds, Cairanne is where it is at. 

The smaller amount of whites are made with the classic, white Rhône grapes: Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier as well as some Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc. They make wines that are elegantly textured with aromatics of blossom, pineapple and lime. 

Lirac

Lirac is the oldest Cru, achieving its AOC Cru status in 1947. Located right down in the south of the appellation off the beaten track on the West (right) bank of the river, vines have been grown and appreciated here since ancient times. Despite its heritage though, this is no stuffy old region that ignores change; It’s the funky, wise-old man of the Rhone! Modern winemaking meets old traditions here in the best way and a new generation of producers are innovating all the time. 

The wines of Lirac

Lirac does make rosé wine, but not a huge amount. 87% of wines here are red, followed by 10% white and just 3% pink. The reds here are more powerful and round than those of Lirac with a kick of spicy red fruit. The whites here are beautifully intense, yet refreshing; perfumed and tropical with lots of acacia and apricot notes. The grapes used in Lirac are the usual suspects: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre with a whack of Cinsault in places for the reds and for whites, Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc.

Unlike Cairanne, Lirac uses grape from across four communes in the Gard with exceptional terroirs including  Roquemaure, Saint Laurent-des-Arbres and Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas. 

Try these wines from Cairanne and Lirac to get a feel for both Cru:

Cairanne White: Domaine Berthet-Rayne, Castel- Mireio Blanc 2018

A full blend of Viognier, Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Bourboulenc and Grenache, this is an elegantly complex wine with stunning, peach blossom aromatics and a lovely weight to it. Perfect with poultry and creamy sauces. 

Find it at Carte du Vin for £17.75

Lirac white: Chateau d’Aqueria Blanc 2019

Château d’Aqueria is most famous for its dark pink wines from neighbouring Tavel but it chose Lirac for its whites. Another blend of all the key white grapes, this is an exotic white with an intoxicating, floral aroma. Rich in flavour but not heavy, this is an ideal wine for food, especially nutty hard cheese or creamy, cow's milk cheese. 

Find it at Old Bridge Wines for £18

Cairanne Red: Domaine Roche Cairanne, 2019

Rich in fresh, dark fruit flavours with hints of spice, cedar and thyme, this is a silky, food-friendly red that’s fantastic value for money. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan from vines in conversion to becoming biodynamic, Domaine Roche is a name to watch. 

Find it at Lea and Sandeman for £18.95 

Lirac Red: Lirac, Les Closiers, Ogier 2019

For the money, this red really over delivers. Think powerful, bramble fruit with baking spice and fresh pastry notes. It’s bold and velvety, yet not at all austere. Made with a blend of  Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and a splash of Cinsault, this has Christmas and Sunday roasts all over it. 

Find it at M&S for £10 a bottle when bought as a six.

Want a beginner’s guide to the Côtes du Rhône? Click here!

The Best Boxed Wine for 2021

You will have seen us extol the virtues of the new face of boxed wine. We’ve shouted about it on the radio, we’ve given you a few goodies to try and why is this? So many reasons, the key ones being much tighter technology, which means wine stays fresher, which means that producers trust the packaging to put better wines in. Simples! There’s also the pretty major fact that most wine boxes are infinitely greener to make and more recyclable too. Let’s not forget the price per bottle ratio being even better value either. 

Check out this previous piece and video about 8 reasons to try boxed wine! 

It’s clear that the UK particularly is taking boxed wine to its heart and more and more producers are following suit, offering their wines in these larger, greener formats. We’ve fallen on our swords for you and tasted a huge round up of recent releases. Here are the best producers of boxed wines for 2021 in our not so humble opinion as well as some singular suggestions:

3 Boxed Wine Companies to Seek Out 

There are three companies who are out and out leading the way when it comes to wine quality, range of wines, premium packaging and green credentials. Presenting their wines in 2.25L boxes (the equivalent of three bottles), they’re the perfect size for entertaining or to sip over a couple of weeks at home. 

The BIB Wine Company

The BiB  Wine Company were the first we saw to make their packaging sleek and sexy, to match the impressively high quality of the wine insides. This is where you come for your luxury, fine wine in a box that looks as good as it tastes. What’s more, for every box you buy, they will plant a tree through a partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects. They also have a wine club that offers regular discounts. What’s not to love? 

Try…

...The Clos du Roi Sancerre (£49.90 for 2.25L) as your splash out white this festive season. Beautifully balanced, grassy, chalky and elegant, it’s hard to believe it’s from a box! Snag this for your smoked salmon. 

I’m also a huge fan of the Bea Organic Monastrell (£26.80 for 2.25l); a pocket friendly, easy drinking red from DO Yecla in Spain that packed full of spiced strawberry and black berry fruit.  

Laylo

Laylo boxes are so pretty, they could be the centrepiece for your table. Personally, I’d like to go for a range of them on the sideboard this Christmas to keep the family happy! The wines are great too; sourced directly from small-scale producers and interestingly off the beaten track a lot of the time. Their green credentials are impressive as well.

Try…

... The Pinot Blanc (£32.99). Unusually from Slovenia and with a splash of fragrant furmint, (that’s a grape), this is deliciously perfumed, crisp and ctrussy. A great, quirky find. 

We’re also big fans of the Rosso Vulcanico (£36.99); a blend of rustic, licorice and berry-scented Nero d'Avola & Nerello Mascalese from the slopes of Etna. 

When in Rome

When in Rome was the other early adopter of decent boxed ‘craft’ wine as they call it. Specialising in Italian wines made from lesser known grape varieties, their wines are brilliant value and the boxes are arguably the easiest to recycle out of anyones. When in Rome are also the producer of Phillip Schofield’s own wine range!

Try…

... The Organic Grillo (£25.99) for a refreshing, orange and pineapple, citrusy glass of white. This Sicilian wonder is a brilliant crowd pleaser and great alone or with hard cheese. 

I’d also recommend the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (£25.99) for a juicy, blackcurrant and spice experience in a glass. Perfect for a mid week spag bol or pizza. 

Other wine in boxes to seek out 

Côtes-du-Rhône, Famille Jaume

This is a youthful, fresh Côtes-du-Rhône red with lots of lively, dark berry fruit and a touch of spice. Made with Grenache and Syrah from young vines, this is a Wine Society stalwart and a must if you’re hosting at Christmas!

£45 from The Wine Society (approx £6.75 equivalent)

Terre di Faiano Rosso

I should probably stop banging on about this one but it’s so pretty inside and out; it looks like an easter egg! A blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon from Puglia, this juicy, figgy, plummy red is organic as well as vegan. Full-bodied and a touch on the sweeter side. 

£25.99 for 2.25L from Waitrose Cellar

See what we tasted in talk radio recently here and find that article with a video about 8 reasons to try boxed wine!

Announcing TV Series 2: The Three Drinkers in Ireland

The Three Drinkers return to our screens in February 2022 with a brand new, six-part series on Amazon Prime called ‘The Three Drinkers in Ireland’ - and they've shaken things up!

The Three Drinkers are drinks experts, writers and broadcasters Helena Nicklin and Aidy Smith, joined by a deliciously diverse revolving roster of ‘third drinker’ guests. This will be the second Three Drinkers TV series for Smith and Nicklin who also produce the popular ‘Bring a Bottle’ podcast, run the drink, travel and lifestyle-focused online magazine thethreedrinkers.com and have a growing social media/influencer presence.

A New Focus

Their first Three Drinkers series, ‘The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky’, came to our screens on Amazon Prime in 2019 and is still streaming in over 170 countries (in 39 languages) as well as being broadcast in China and on various airlines including British Airways and Lufthansa.

The Three Drinkers in Ireland will take a slightly different tack from the Scotch show, exploring all sorts of drinks beyond the delicious whiskey, from gin and poitin to cider and Irish cream. Aside from discovering some of the country's oldest and most game-changing distilleries, they’ll also be taking a deeper dive into Ireland’s incredible food scene and showcasing some traditional activities such as bog snorkelling, cheesemaking, eel fishing and Irish dancing. The result is an escapist, gastronomic journey with a drinks hook through the picturesque island of Ireland that’s light-hearted and aspirational with plenty of take-home tips. It's the perfect pour of armchair travel and feel-good entertainment.

Nicklin says “We’ve loved bringing everything together here, from the food and drink, to the people, places, culture and tourism of the whole of the island of Ireland. We’ve been blown away by the sheer quality of Irish produce too. It’s world class! Ireland is also the perfect country to visit as the world opens up again, thanks to its wide open spaces and easy accessibility - and it’s a great location for lovers of fantastic food and drink to boot.”

New Guest Presenters

In this series, Aidy and Helena welcome two new faces from the world of food, drink, travel and lifestyle: Beth Brickeden, Irish native, wine consultant and alternative events specialist behind the renowned Drag & Wine Tasting, joins the duo for episodes 1-3, and Eulanda Osagiede, award-winning American travel writer, social influencer and co-founder of the popular travel, food and lifestyle blog ‘Hey! Dip Your Toes in’, comes along for the journey in episodes 4-6.

Along the way, they’ll also be getting a cheeky visit from iconic UK drag queen Vanity Von Glow as well as original ‘third drinker’ and whisk(e)y guru, Colin Hampden-White.

Smith & Nicklin have been keen advocates for better inclusivity within the drinks industry, with Smith being one of the only TV Presenters globally with Tourette Syndrome. He says:

“As part of the LGBTQIA+ community and having faced ongoing hurdles due to stigmas associated with Tourrette’s throughout my career, I’ve been very keen for us to play our part when it comes to increasing diversity and inclusion within the drinks industry. We are delighted that our key guests within this series showcase a more inclusive world; it’s a step forward for the trade and we couldn’t be more delighted to welcome our incredibly talented third drinkers.”

Take Home Tips

The new series sees an evolved format, with to-camera, take-home tips from wine and spirits experts Aidy and Helena, helping viewers navigate their at-home drinks discovery. From advice on forming the perfect egg white flip for cocktails to exciting, Irish-inspired drinks recipes, the duo even offer wine and spirit food pairings with their lifestyle-driven approach.

Smith says “Having been drinks professionals for over 25 years collectively, we felt it was time to take the leap and speak directly to our audience via the TV screen. We’ll be offering them a variety of tips, tricks and wisdom tidbits they can explore for themselves at home”.

Live Dates

The Three Drinkers in Ireland will be live on Amazon Prime in early February 2022 in 130 countries and territories. More information will follow over the coming months.

More about The Three Drinkers in Ireland

The Three Drinkers in Ireland is a feel good, infotainment-style travelogue with a drinks hook that showcases the beauty of Irish gastro-tourism in all its glory. Road trip in style with just the right amount of knowledge thrown in, this armchair travel series follows Aidy, Helena (renowned drinks and lifestyle communicators) and their ‘third drinker’ guests on the ultimate, lifestyle journey through the unique and diverse landscapes of the Emerald Isle.

Along the way, they’ll scope out famous local landmarks and characterful locals before heading off to key stops on their tour of distilleries, orchards, country pubs and more via numerous points of interest, delicious food and unmissable scenery. Packed full of personality and flavour and using a blend of epic drone videography, natural, amusing in-car conversation and sweeping landscape shots, this is Ireland for a new, global audience.

More about Aidy Smith

Aidy Smith is an award-winning TV presenter, journalist and wine and spirits expert. He currently writes a weekly drinks column for the Evening Standard. Aidy is one of the few LGBTQIA+ personalities within the industry and the only TV presenter in the UK with Tourette Syndrome, raising awareness for D&I across the board. He has spent his career developing a fun and curiosity-piquing mind-set to drinks through interactive tastings, video, written and social/influencer content. Find him on social media @Sypped.

More about Helena Nicklin

Helena Nicklin is an award-winning wine and spirits writer, TV and radio broadcaster and judge for various international wine and spirits awards, including the IWSC and The People’s Choice Drinks Awards. Helena also presents a weekly drinks segment on talkRADIO. A working mother of two young children, Helena is a strong supporter of female empowerment in a typically male-dominated industry. Find her on social media @HelenaSips.

More About Beth Brickenden

Working at the forefront of London’s trendy food and wine scene for over a decade since leaving the Emerald Isle, Beth has a wealth of experience and passion for all things wine and dine. Beth is currently heading up the wine for FIEND by Chris Denney whilst continuing to create her legendary wine tastings. She loves producing immersive dining experiences that to date have ranged from life drawing and wine tasting, to drag queens and wine (her two greatest loves). Find her on social media @my.corkscrew.and.i.

More About Eulanda Osagiede

Eulanda Shead-Osagiede is an award-winning food culture and travel journalist, photographer, TV presenter, and DEI marketing consultant. She has been featured in a number of high-profile print and digital publications. As a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the travel and hospitality industry, she has promoted DEI on multiple platforms as a speaker, workshop facilitator, and thought leader. Find her ons social media @dipyourtoesin.

The Best Drinks Advent Calendars to Buy this Year

It’s that time of the year again folks! Yes, the time of year where Christmas themed items begin to appear on the shelves and you continue to be astounded by the blind eagerness of modern brands. It’s the beginning of October for crying out loud! We hate to break it to ya, but Christmas is actually only 2 months away…  Break out the tinsel, crack open that box of Quality Streets - Christmas is hurtling towards us at an astonishing pace.

While the humble advent calendar may be reminiscent of childhood Decembers, it’s not just for children. Recently, alcohol brands have been bursting onto the scene with advent calendars just for adults. From Prosecco clocks to sommelier worthy wines, drinks advent calendars are getting more and more creative with each year. So, whether you’re buying one as an early Christmas gift, or just getting it for yourself, you’ll want to check out our guide to the best drinks advent calendars in 2021.

For Wine Lovers:

Laithwaites Advent Calendar

If you love wine, you’ll love Laithwaite’s Wine Advent Calendar! Presented in a beautiful box reminiscent of a chateau adorned with Christmas decorations, this calendar features 24 different wines all hidden away within its numerous doors and windows. There’s also an extra special treat for Christmas Eve, with (spoiler alert) a half bottle of champagne inside the roof! Not only is it decked out with a delicious selection of wines, but there’s also a chance to win 6 free bottles for Christmas if you find a ‘Winning Window’... We have a hunch these are going to be SUPER popular, so grab your reservation now!
Find here: £69.99

67 Pall Mall Sommelier Advent Calendar 2021

In the advent of drinks advent calendars, it was usually tiny bottles of spirits that one would find behind each paper door. However, these days advent calendars span the alcohol world, and with 67 Pall Mall’s Sommelier Advent Calendar the game has been well and truly upped. The private members club for wine lovers has created an advent calendar with a 75ml sample of a fine wine behind each door, expertly chosen by their resident sommelier. Every wine has a QR code which when scanned reveals a video guiding you through the intricacies of each wine. Now THAT sounds sophisticated!

Find here: £555

Brixton Wine Club Canned Wine Advent Calendar

What we love about this calendar is that it not only has a great range of wine within it but many of the brands included in the calendar are also UK based start-ups that have made award-winning wines so it’s a great place to try some delicious up and coming wine from the UK. Featuring 24 carefully selected wines ranging from reds, whites, bubbles and even cocktails there’s a brilliant mix of drinks to enjoy each night that’ll keep you excited about coming back for more the next day!

Find here: £115

For Scotch Lovers

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar

We’ll never say no to a good Scotch over here at The Three Drinkers, and Drinks By the Dram’s Scotch Advent Calendar means for the entire month of December we won’t have to! Behind each door is a 30ml wax sealed dram of Scotch whisky from a variety of different Scottish distillers. This advent calendar spans a whole range of brands, from mega-famous distillers you know and love to new discoveries bursting onto the Scotch scene. With so much Scotch ready to be tasted, you’ll definitely find something to satisfy your palette. You might even find a new favourite!

Find here: £149.95

For Chocolate Lovers

Hotel Chocolat Grand Advent Calendar

Booze and chocolate have long been a match made in indulgence heaven. Nothing is more satisfying than finding a brilliant chocolate and drink pairing to feast upon on those chilly December nights. Hotel Chocolat’s Grand Advent Calendar is filled with their signature chocolates, and a few miniatures of their drinks! You’ll be treated to (spoiler alert) their Salted Caramel Cacao Vodka, their Cacao Gin and their Chocolat Cream Liqueur. There might even be a sachet of hot chocolate for cosying up on the sofa (which, yes, you may add the cream liqueur to, we won’t judge). Chocoholics: this is for you.

Find here: £68

For Rum Lovers/Pirates

Rum’s Revenge 12 Day Advent Calendar

ARRRR! Shiver me timbers, it looks like we’ll be feasting with pirates this December! Rum’s Revenge clearly has an eye for detail, with their scrumptious advent calendar arriving in a real, reusable treasure chest. It’s not just chocolate coins you’ll find, however, but 12 single cask rare rums hand selected from around the world. Not only will you uncover 12 brilliant rums, but you’ll also receive a skull’s head glass to drink from, a treasure map, a piece of eight lapel pin and a TOP SECRET hidden treasure… Whether you’re a lover of rum, a tentative trier, or legitimately sail under the skull and cross bones: this advent calendar is a treasure not to be missed.

Find here: £249.95

For Vodka Lovers

Vodka Explorer Advent Calendar

Buckle up - we’re going exploring, with Drinks By the Dram’s Vodka Explorer Advent Calendar. If you’ve ever disregarded vodka as a simple, monotonous spirit, this advent calendar will bash those misconceptions and introduce you to the wide range of flavour profiles that are out there. After tasting 24 curated, high-quality vodkas, we promise you’ll appreciate this classic spirit like a connoisseur. Vodka producers big and small from all over the world are hiding in 30ml bottles inside this calendar, so put on that explorer gear and get tasting!

Find here: £99.95

For Tequila Lovers

Arriba Tequila Advent Calendar

Though they may come in 30ml bottles, let it be known that the tequilas inside Arriba’s Tequila Advent Calendar are off limits for shotting with salt and lime. We see you. In fact, this advent calendar was curated especially to showcase the nuances and subtleties of tequila, a drink worthy of savouring (…and no salt allowed). With a selection of blanco, reposado, and añejo, Arriba is guiding you through tequila at all stages of its life. We promise you, by Christmas Day, you’ll be such an enthusiast that you’ll be racing to go out and explore more tequila.

Find here: £124.95

For Gin Lovers

That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar

Not only is this advent calendar beautiful, it’s stuffed full of gin goodies for gin-lovers far and wide. That Boutique-y Gin Company has put together a selection of 24 30ml bottles from their large selection of wildly popular gins. From Spit-Roasted Pineapple to Squeezed Yuzu, That Boutique-y Gin Company is nothing if not inventive with their flavours. You’ll be bursting with excitement to find out the next creation behind each door, and will not be disappointed with what you find. If you’ve been looking to expand your gin collection in a fun and interesting way, we really recommend this calendar.

Find here: £49.95

For Tea Lovers

24 Reasons To Smile Advent Calendar

Love a good cuppa? Looking for an advent calendar you can actually open and consume in the morning? T2 has just the thing for it, with their 24 Reasons to Smile Advent Calendar showcasing an eclectic selection of teas to celebrate the countdown to Christmas! Just like wine, good tea has a complicated flavour profile of its own. Try testing your taste buds in an alcohol-free way by picking up one of these calendars and basking in the range of flavours T2 has put together. P.S. This calendar comes in both loose leaf and teabag edition - so don’t worry if you don’t have a tea infuser!

Find here: £22

For Beer Lovers

Beer Hawk 2021 Advent Calendar

Now, we’ve talked a lot about spirits so far - but what about something for the beer-lovers in our lives? Well, have no fear - we have not forgotten about you! For beer fiends with a taste for new and interesting craft beers, Beer Hawk has created the beer advent calendar to end all beer advent calendars. For its 8th year running, Beer Hawk will be providing you with 25 unique craft beers from all around the globe. They may be presented in a bottle, they may be presented in a can: but all of them are presented alongside a tailor-made website created to guide you through tasting and enjoying the beers. Get hoppy this December and give Beer Hawk a go - you won’t regret it!

Find here: £75

Tiny Rebel Beer Advent Calendar 2021

When Tiny Rebel say that this Advent Calendar is their ‘craziest project to date’ you have to take notice… After all this award-winning brewery from Wales are known for experimenting with beer flavours and styles - Imperial Honey Glazed Ham Marshmallow Porter anyone? This whopping box of 25 beers includes a mixture of IPAs, NEIPAs, stouts, Sours and some stuff they ‘honestly don't even know how to categorise’. That’s not all there’s also an exclusive Teku Glass plus a surprise gift. And for all you can collecting geeks out there, these 25 collectable cans will never be available again as they will only be in this Advent Calendar.

Find here: £87.50

For Prosecco Lovers

Prosecco O’Clock Advent Calendar

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a bit of bubbly, and with the UK’s growing love for this Italian fizz, it’s no surprise a Prosecco Advent Calendar has popped up. The look of this calendar is certainly out of the box, and by out of the box we mean a full size, working, wooden clock engraved with ‘Fizzy Time!’. Though each bottle is lined up with an hour, we don’t recommend drinking all 12 in one day. Instead, try one every other day! The lead up to Christmas is just as important as the big day - so celebrate it by popping some tiny bottles!

Find here: £114.95

For Picky Drinkers:

Master of Malt Build-Your-Own Advent Calendar

If you’re wanting to create a personalised advent calendar for the one you love, or perhaps you can’t stand surprises - why not create your own advent calendar with Master of Malt’s customer calendar builder! It also means you can make your calendar gluten-free or vegan, so dietary requirements won’t get in the way of you having a good time. This is a great way to test out some spirits you’ve been eyeing up while at the same time counting down to Christmas!

Find here: Price varies

Looking for more drinks news? Why not have a read of The World’s Best Vodka or The Best Scottish Gins to Try?

DO Rueda: Spiritual home of the Verdejo Grape

With all eyes back on Spain for deliciously versatile and food friendly wines that can also dazzle at the top end, we look to DO Rueda to see what’s new and why we should be paying attention to this refreshingly different wine region.

What and where is DO Rueda?

Nestled up in the central-north part of Spain, with Galicia to the west and hugging the northeastern corner of Portugal, we find the wine region of Rueda. It forms part of the greater Castilla y Léon area and was the first of the 9 official regions within it to receive its own delimited status, earning the title ‘Denominación de Origen’ (or ‘DO’ for short), where strict rules around quality keep standards high. 

DO Rueda is most famous these days for producing zesty, fresh and fruity, unoaked white wines made largely from the Verdejo grape, which considers Rueda to be its spiritual home. There are still a handful of pink, red, sparkling and sweet wines produced here, but these form less than 10% of all production. 

A brief history of DO Rueda

Although Rueda as we know it today is a comparatively new wine region, with a focus on its  grassy, native Verdejo grape, the origins of winemaking here go back to the Middle Ages. It is said that Verdejo arrived in Rueda via the Moors from north Africa more than one thousand years ago and was all but forgotten as more oxidative, ‘rancio’ styles of wine became popular in the area. Some vines endured however and even today, many very old Verdejo vines of over one hundred years old can be found, which give the grapes that grow on them more complexity and textural minerality. 

As a variety itself, the true value of Verdejo in Rueda was recognised back in the 1970s as a native grape that would please the palates of Sauvignon Blanc lovers and such like, so it was championed by key Spanish producers, including Marques de Riscal of Rioja. Today, Verdejo is the most widely used grape variety in Rueda and accounts for over 80% of all plantings. In fact, 97% of all wines in DO Rueda are now white, led by Verdejo.

The Verdejo Grape: King of DO Rueda!

The Verdejo grape is much loved for its heady aromatics of fresh herbs, cut grass and refreshing lemon citrus as well as ripe, tropical fruit notes and bitter, lime zest kick. It’s a relatively robust grape that has learned to withstand extreme climatic conditions from hot sun to very cold nights, so is well-liked by winemakers. And although Verdejo is most famously served young and unoaked, more styles of wines are coming to the fore, which help increase the versatility of wines from this region. For example, barrel fermentation is on the rise, which adds a creamy texture to the wine and often, a subtle, vanilla spice note from the wood. We’re also seeing more ageing on the lees (the dead yeast cells left after the first alcoholic fermentation), which adds roundness and flavour. Some wineries are now also using ultra modern, egg-shaped, concrete tanks in their winemaking, which allows the wine more contact with the lees, thus adding layers of complexity. Utterly delicious. 

While Verdejo is very much King of Rueda however, it does not work entirely alone. Other white grapes permitted in the white wines of DO Rueda are Sauvignon Blanc, which is Verdejo’s right hand man, but also some Viura, Palomino Fino, Viognier and Chardonnay. 

Key styles of white Rueda Wines

Rueda White: Rueda’s flagship wine style is a young white that is light and fresh, yet fills the palate with lush fruit. These wines must be made from at least 50% Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc (the two principal grape varieties), though the other white grapes above are allowed. 

Gran Vino de Rueda: This is a new category dedicated to high quality and for wines made using low yielding, older vines that are at least thirty years old.

Rueda Sparkling (‘Espumoso’): Most sparkling wines here are produced using the ‘traditional method’ like in Champagne, but some are tank method. Semi-sweet (semi-seco) sparkling wine is also produced here. 

Rueda Pálido: The Pálido is a very traditional, oxidised style of fortified wine that resembles dry Sherry. It is stored in oak barrels for at least three years before release. 

Rueda Dorado: This historic wine style is a slightly sweeter version of the Pálido and must be fortified and barrel-aged for at least two years. Like the Pálido, it is making a comeback.

Pink & Red Rueda Wines

Very few red wines are produced in Rueda, but those that are, tend to focus on the approved red varieties: Tempranillo, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Garnacha and Syrah. They are also now categorised as ‘oaked’, ‘Crianza’ or ‘Reserva’.

Lively, fruity rosé wines may be made if at least 50% out of the approved red wine grape varieties (above) are used. 

What to eat with Rueda Wines

Rueda wines are some of the most versatile in the whole of Europe, easily fitting in with many styles of food from all sorts of countries! Rueda whites, thanks to their high acidity and grassiness, can handle vegetables and salads, pair brilliantly with fresh goats cheese and feta particularly and simply adore most kinds of fish, from seafood risotto to ceviche. This style of bright, zesty white can also handle more tricky matches, such as asparagus or tomato better than other whites and works very nicely with fresh herbs.

The more weight and texture the wine might have thanks to its age, barrel fermentation or lees aging for example, the more flavour and weight of food it can take. Try the heftier, almost nutty versions with creamy poultry dishes, garlicky, baked, fleshy fish dishes or lighter red meats such as pork loin or young lamb. 

Three Rueda White Wines to Try

Diez Siglo Rueda Verdejo

Let’s start with Verdejo. This is a classic example of type: vibrant and refreshing, with notes of hay, guava, peach and orange-lemon citrus. Catch that characteristic hint of fennel on the finish too. Yum!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.80

Excellens Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Next up, let’s see what Sauvignon can do in Rueda. Bright and clean again with its famous pale green tinge, this is a fruitier style of the grape, with powerful notes of cut grass, apple, blossom, tropical fruit and herbs. There is also a creamier weight here thanks to some ageing of the wine on its lees. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10.99

Amador Diez 2015

Here’s what happens in Rueda when you add some age and some oak. It was named in tribute to the winery’s (Cuatro Rayas) former president, Amador Diez de Íscar. The top of this producer’s tree, this wine is produced from the best parts of their ancient, 100 year plus pre-phylloxera vineyard. Hand made at just about every level including bottling and in very limited quantities, this is a wine made to age. If you love white Rioja, you’ll love this! Think spicy orchard fruits, quince, honey, toast and spice, all with a cool, saline kick. A fantastic splash-out bottle. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £34

For more information on Rueda, keep an eye on Instagram and our Thursday Club with talkRADIO articles!

What is Wine Finished Whisky?

By Helena Nicklin

There’s no drink that conjures up the spirit of cosy dark nights by the fire quite like whisky. Even for the many who don’t drink it, the aroma of whisky and wood smoke evokes warm memories of Christmases past with relatives, glass in hand, playing charades and stuffing their faces with Quality Street chocolates. I was one of those ‘many’ who remembered it rather than drank it until a few years ago, when my head was turned by the headlines in drinks papers about the continual rise in popularity of whisky, not just from Scotland but all around the world.

It was with zero hesitation then that when asked to co-present a TV travelogue through Scotland tasting whisky, I said yes. I was converted immediately upon arrival, of course. It’s hard not to be when tasting a product in the region where it’s made, especially while surrounded so deliciously by ancient castles, lochs, legends and wonderfully hairy cows. So without further ado, I want to share with you a glorious discovery that has rocked my world of booze: whisky with a wine ‘finish’.

What is a whisky ‘finish’?

Single malt, blended whisky, Scotch, Bourbon, Rye, Irish… there are many styles of whisky from many regions, but it’s the way distillers choose to ‘finish’ the spirits that can give them such a unique personality. What is a finish? It’s when the spirit is matured in a cask from one particular origin before spending time in a different cask from another origin. Most often, the first cask is American oak that has previously held Bourbon. The second cask is used to add extra nuances of flavour and complexity and it is here that distillers can have some fun. You may also see on the label ‘wood-finished’ or ‘double matured’, but it’s the same thing.

Fine wine whisky finishes

On my trip to Scotland, I met a man who whisky buffs describe as the ‘rock star of distillers’. He is Dr. Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks at Glenmorangie in Tain. Fearless in his experiments (he has a scientific background) and with a wonderfully potty mouth, Lumsden is man who oozes passion and Scottish charm. He also has a penchant for seriously fine wine, which is why Glenmorangie have had some incredible, limited edition whiskies finished in barrels that have held extraordinary wines.

“Wine continues to inspire me, but it’s a tricky animal to use with Scotch whisky,” he says. “I’ve tasted as many terrible whiskies made with wine barrels as I have good ones. It’s been fascinating to watch though how actually, with a wine finish, whisky can change in the bottle over time.”

Naturally, it would have been rude not to taste as many as I could get my hands on and my goodness, I loved them, for their perfume as much as anything else. Glenmorangie is famous for its fruity, spicy whiskies that have elegant aromatics, thanks to their particularly tall copper stills (the tallest in Scotland). Add a wine finish to the mix and you get some seriously special drams. It is not just Glenmorangie who use wine finishes, however. The Macallan is famous for its Christmas-cakey, sherry finishes and several other big names have been doing their own experimenting with sweet wines, fortified wines and dry, still wines.

There are so many to choose from, so here are just a few wine-finished Scotch whiskies that are well worth seeking out:

Sherry cask finish: Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Year Old

The richness from Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry is a wonderful addition to this whisky. If you like those baking spice, Christmas cake flavours, a sherry finish is for you.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £43.65 // US $71.99

Sherry cask finish: The Macallan Gold Double Cask

Finished with American and European sherry-seasoned oak, this whisky is ripe and rich, with a spicy kick and notes of dark chocolate orange.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £59.99 // US $75.99

French red wine finish: Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Cask Finish

Highland whisky finished for 12 months in 228-litre Red Burgundy wine casks from Chateau de Chassagne Montrachet, this whisky has a gentle fruit flavour and a beautiful, creamy mouthfeel. Delicious.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £39.99 // US $59.99

Sweet ice wine finish: Glenfiddich Winter Storm Batch 2

Incredibly rare Scotch whisky (aged 21 years and older) finished in French oak casks that previously held Canadian icewine. This whisky has plenty of tropical notes and a hint of candied fruit and Turkish delight that develop into flavours of lychee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £249.99 // US $499.99

Sauternes Finish: Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or

Nectar D’Or has the succulent, honeysuckle and orange peel notes that you’d expect from Sauternes. It’s golden and glorious; one for wine lovers for sure and a little easier to get hold of.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £51.25 // $101.99

Port finish: The Balvenie 21 Year old Port Wood

Aged in port pipes that are over 30 years old, this whisky is brooding and dark, with powerful fruit and notes of woodsmoke. One for the end of the tasting!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £175 // $324.99

Port finish: Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban

A development of the recipe of the highly popular 12 year old, this intensely flavoured whisky is initially matured in bourbon casks before being transferred into ruby port casks from carefully selected Portuguese quintas (wine estates). It’s an intriguing mix of sweet and dry with delicious fruit and chocolate notes.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £45.70 // $82.99

Enjoyed this? Then have a read of The Best Value Fruity Scotch Whisk and don’t forget to check out The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky now LIVE on Amazon Prime!

Champagne shortage feared at Christmas

Take a deep breath and grab a chair, you might want to sit down before we tell you this…  Though it pains us to an excruciating degree to break the news, it’s important we share this with you: we’re heading towards a Christmas Champagne shortage… 

Before you start sweating, checking your pulse and bulk ordering online - the shortage won’t be massive. It’s just very unlikely we’ll see any deals this Christmas on Champagne, so you’ll have to put your money where your Champagne flute is if you’re looking for some bubbly to deck the halls. We fear getting a deal on Champagne may be completely out of the question when New Year’s Eve rolls around… 

Due to the fall in demand over lockdown in 2020 (which does make sense…), Champagne houses took the decision to reduce the number of bottles produced as the Comité Champagne put a tight cap on the yields. Not only this, but many strong vintages are being held back to be released as vintage wines, leaving less to be used in a non-vintage blend Champagne. However, as people celebrate the easing of the pandemic’s icy grip, Champagne demand is picking up - a demand that will only increase as we come into the holiday season. 

The question on many Champagne Agents’ lists is whether this lack of supply will trigger an increase in prices, allowing the affected houses to reduce losses. It’s not certain yet what will happen but we personally aren’t keen to see hiked up prices, especially after the financial and employment difficulties suffered over the course of the pandemic.

If you are feeling keen to begin stocking up, it’s always a good idea to look out for any deals that might be about and take advantage of them now. However, if it sounds like Champagne might just be too expensive for this Christmas - why not venture into the worlds of Cava and Prosecco.

Here’s a guide to the Proseccos we think you should be buying in 2021.

What Are The Most Popular Red Wine Grapes?

With so many red wines out there it’s hard to know which bottle to choose. With that in mind, we’ve created this handy guide to the most popular red wine grapes including information on their characteristics, what to pair them with and which bottles we recommend…

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon (often colloquially known as Cab Sauv) is the world’s most popular grape, being planted in a great many wine regions around the world. The wine has brilliant aging properties thanks to its full body and tannic structure and its rich, concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, cedar and mint are a pie that everyone wants a slice of.

Where Is Cabernet Sauvignon Grown?

As previously mentioned, Cabernet Sauvignon is almost everywhere as it’s fairly robust; its thick skin helps it cope well with both heat and cold. It’s popularity globally is also thanks to its association with very famous wines such as a Château Lafite from Bordeaux. Its spiritual home is still France (especially the Bordeaux region), but the grape has taken to California, Chile and Australia in particular extremely well.

What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like?

Cabernet Sauvignon has a distinct blackcurrant and dark forest berry flavour with some sort of leafy note. Its thick skin provides a lot of tannic structure too, making it very dry and full-bodied. Depending on the region, it can also have notes of peppercorns and spices.

What To Pair With Cabernet Sauvignon:

The full-bodied nature of Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself extremely well to rich, grilled meats and dishes with high flavour, protein and fat content.

Which Cabernet Sauvignon Should I Try?

Affordable: Apothic Cabernet Sauvignon UK £9 // US $8.98
Mid-Tier (Cabernet Sauvignon Blend): Château de Janicon Graves Rouge 2018 UK £14.83
Top-End: Mt Brave UK £79 // US $99.99

Merlot

Merlot tends to make softer, more medium-bodied, fruitier wines than Cabernet Sauvignon and the two are very often blended as they complement each other so well. 

Where Is Merlot Grown?

Merlot is grown in similar regions to Cabernet Sauvignon and is the other ‘famous’ Bordeaux grape. As Merlot takes less time to ripen, it can be grown in slightly cooler climates than Cabernet Sauvignon such as Northern Italy. For juicy, fruity, warmer climate Merlots, head to Australia, California and Chile as well as regional Southern France.

What Does Merlot Taste Like?

These warmer climate Merlots are often bolder and fruitier, offering flavours such as red plum, blackberry and even vine tomato. Cooler climate Merlots are more tart, with earthy notes and often, an iodine tang. 

What To Pair With A Merlot:

Merlot is a great wine to pair with food as it is so versatile. Easy drinking, inexpensive Merlots like creamy, tomatoey sauces. An earthier, old world Merlot is delicious with roasted meats and vegetables.

Which Merlot Should I Try?

Affordable: Château Tertre De Viaud Côtes De Bourg 2016 - UK £10.92
Top-End: Château Prieurs de la Commanderie Pomerol 2016 - £39.48

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most popular red wine grapes. It can taste like a red wine but feel like a white, so is often the red that white wine drinkers pick. It is light bodied and elegant, with high acidity and very low tannin, coupled with a beautiful silky texture and classic flavour profile of spiced cherry, raspberry compote and earth.

Where Is Pinot Noir Grown?

Pinot Noir loves a cool climate and you can now find incredible bottles from many places around the globe. France produces a huge amount of it, with the majority coming from Burgundy, and since the 1990s, Germany has also been producing some stunning bottles, only here they tend to call it Spatburgunder. The USA has some very exciting styles coming out of Oregon and coastal California, and although not as widely known, there are many other countries around the world that produce some very good Pinot too, including the UK, New Zealand, Austria and Romania to name a few! If it’s a cool region, Pinot will do well. 

What To Pair With Pinot Noir:

Given its higher acidity and its low tannin, Pinot Noir pairs really well with many different dishes. For the lighter, fruitier versions, try it with fleshy fish like salmon, or chicken, whereas bolder Pinot Noirs such as those from Chile or New Zealand work really well with pork, duck, beef stews and mushrooms.

Which Pinot Noir Should I Try?

Affordable: Sanziana Pinot Noir Recas Cramele UK £8.50
Mid Tier: Sebastiani UK £25 // US $14.99
Top-End: Volnay Domaine Cyrot-Buthiau 2017 UK £35.95

Syrah

You might know this grape better as Shiraz; the Australian name for their most planted grape, but the two are technically the same, although the Shiraz style has morphed away from the Syrah style, hence the two names. These dark and brooding wines have wonderful aging capabilities and are excellent with all sorts of foods.

Where Is Syrah Grown?

Syrah thrives in warm and dry climates, which explains its massive success in Australia. However, the grape’s spiritual home is on the rocky, gravelly hillsides of the Northern Rhone region in France. California has also done well with the Syrah grape, though it is often left in the shadow of the ever popular Californian Cabernet Sauvignon.

What Does Syrah Taste Like?

Syrah creates powerful, full-bodied wines chock full of dark, plum fruit flavours, dried herbs and pepper. In the Southern Rhone valley in France, Syrah is a key component in famous blends such as Cotes-du-Rhone and Chateauneuf du Pape. New World Syrahs are often spicier and more fruit driven than Old World Syrahs, which offer more herbaceous notes and higher acidity. 

What To Pair With Syrah/Shiraz:

The punch of Syrah can sometimes be too much for foods with more delicate flavours, so pairing these wines with meaty and peppery dishes is the way to go. With an Australian Shiraz, don’t stray too far from the meaty flavours, however, the herbaceous, European Syrah is perfect for vegetables and game. A Californian Syrah is a good middle ground.

Which Syrah should I Try?

Affordable: McGuigan Reserve Shiraz UK £6
Mid-Tier: Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz UK £29.95 // US $27.99
Top-End: Mclaren Vale Yangarra Estate Ironheart Shiraz £89.97 // US $32.99

Malbec

Malbec is a grape with a rich history and a rich flavour. Though sometimes chosen as a better value substitute for Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec deserves its place on the list of most popular wine grapes.

Where Is Malbec Grown?

While Argentina’s pride and joy, the Malbec grape actually originated in South West France. Its move to a warmer, sunnier country by a hopeful French botanist allowed it to shine in a way it never had done in France before. Malbec loves altitude and thrives on the sunny slopes of Mendoza in Argentina and although this country now grows 70% of the world’s Malbec, the grape can still be found in its French home in the famous, black wines of Cahors and is becoming slowly more widespread in other New World regions such as New Zealand and Australia.

What Does Malbec Taste Like?

Classic Malbec is all about blueberry, raspberry and chocolate. It’s bold but often very smooth and with a bit of age can also offer more complex, savoury, leathery notes.

What To Pair With Malbec:

As you may suspect, an Argentinian Malbec loves a good steak! It’s a sure fire winner at any grill or barbecue and works very nicely with hard cow cheese too. It’s another one that can handle grilled veg well.

Which Malbec Should I Try?

Affordable: Tesco Finest Argentinian Malbec £8
Mid-Tier: Bramare Malbec Lujan de Cuyo UK £29.24 // US $39.99
Top-End: Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino US $149.99

Grenache

Grenache is not only known for its red wines, but also for the deep rosés that it can create. Its fruity nature (especially in its rosés) is very approachable and dangerously drinkable! A Grenache is a great pick with or without food.

Where Is Grenache Grown?

Unlike many of the grapes on this list, Grenache didn’t actually originate in France. Though it’s now planted all over France’s Southern Rhône region, Grenache originated in Spain (where it is labelled as Garnacha)! It’s not as widely grown in the New World as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot and its acreage has been sharply dropping in the past few decades (sad face).

What Does Grenache Taste Like?

Grenache’s fruity flavour is made up of its notes of strawberry and cinnamon, though depending on where the grape is grown, it can also produce notes of orange and grapefruit. 

What To Pair With A Grenache:

Though it’s definitely a winner with most grilled meats, lean towards something leaner with Grenache, such as lamb. It’s not just meat that you want to pair with Grenache, anything spicy or herbaceous is perfect with this fruity wine.

Which Grenache Should I Try?

Affordable: Waitrose Cotes du Rhone Villages £7.99
Mid-Tier: Anayón Garnacha £17.19
Top-End: Orin Swift 'Abstract' UK £39.99 // US $37.99

Tempranillo

There’s no doubt that Tempranillo (tem-pran-ee-o) is Spain’s favourite red grape, and its versatile flavour profile and texture makes it a treat for pairing with food. It’s most commonly known in its guise as Rioja (In Spain, the wine is often named after the region) but Tempranillo can be found all over Spain. If you’re planning a tapas night anytime soon, be sure to pick up a bottle of Tempranillo - you won’t regret it!

Where Is Tempranillo Grown?

Again, this grape is Spain through and through. Over 80% of the world’s Tempranillo comes from Spain but it has tiptoed its way across the border and is now fairly common in other countries like Portugal. Australia has also been experimenting with this grape, as it enjoys similar conditions to the old favourite, Aussie Shiraz. 

What Does Tempranillo Taste Like?

Tempranillo is simultaneously earthy and fruity, with notes of leather, strawberry cherry and spice. An Australian Tempranillo offers more chocolatey notes, sometimes even being juicer than a Spanish variant. It’s worth trying both New World and Old World Tempranillos to discover your favourites.

What To Pair With Tempranillo:

A fresh, young (‘joven’) Tempranillo is delicious alongside pasta and tomato dishes, whereas a bolder Tempranillo is more suited to meaty dishes. It’s all about trying what works for you and what doesn’t.

Which Tempranillo Should I Try?

Affordable: Finca Besaya Crianza 2017 UK: £9.99
Mid-Tier: Altos de Baroja Rioja Joven £10.75
Top-End:  Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva Rioja £50.50

Looking for more wine content? How about having a read of The Best Places in the UK to Drink English Wine or Cheap Champagne that Tastes Great.