Fellow Wine Lovers,
To our mind there is absolutely nothing better than a good old fashioned grudge match, whether it be the Ashes, any sport versus the French, or just trying to beat your wife at a ‘friendly’ game of tennis. Losing is not an option, all the glory is for the winners, no prizes for second place.
And this weekend we have the Ryder Cup. Us (Europe) vs US (them). Brilliant. We’ve got Rory for glory, Sergio and Luke with fantastic records and fancy pants Poulter to stir up the crowds. Them, they’ve got Tiger, Bubba and Snedeker, who apparently is ready to “beat their brains in”, however that translates onto a putting green. Oh, and we beat them last time.
If you think golf is boring, this is the one weekend that will change your mind. Do you think if I now mention that it’s live on Sky SportsTM, that they might give me a subscription…?
But apparently it’s not all about golf. There’s cricket to be played in the T20 World Cup (now including the champagne super-over), football seems to have torn up the rule book (Villa beating City?) whilst JT resigns from England duty and gets a fine that only a footballer could afford, and the mighty Quins go from strength to strength.
The weather seems to be claiming much of the north and, if this is what happens in September, I dread to think what December might bring. Joking aside, there has been some pretty horrendous weather in Bordeaux early this week and it is probably fair to warn you that 2012 will be a ‘difficult’ vintage, globally. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc production is down 40% for example, and yesterday they had the first rain in Jerez, Andalucia, since April. The rain in Spain stays mainly on … York.
So, as any good wine merchant should say, we strongly suggest you all stock up with as much wine as possible, as soon as possible!!
A propos of nothing, stats just into my inbox
Supermarkets’ value share of the market: 81%
Impulse (the Majestic, Wine Rack, Bargain Boozers) share of the market: 19%
Independents’ share of the market: 3%
That means that on Arthur Road for every 3 bottles we sell, Wine Rack is selling 19, and the Co-op is selling 81! Gosh…
After all this good news, I think I need a drink…
And so, as September closes its doors, we reach the last week of our ‘don’t be silly, drink wine from Chile’ extravaganza. We started in the far North at the end of August and we now find ourselves journeying ever further south towards the Bio-Bio Valley, via Maule.
We have two wines on show this weekend, from the same producer, Aromo. We have been selling these wines since well before Park Vintners was even a glimmer in his daddy’s eye, and have always been impressed by the quality of the wines they produce.
Aromo Viognier 2011 £7.99 – from the Maule Valley, where Aromo make their home. Our friends at Wines of Chile tell us the following:
Located 250 km (155 mi) south of Santiago, this traditional and long overlooked wine valley—the largest and one of the oldest—has attracted renewed and much-deserved attention of late. Old-bush, dry-farmed vineyards that predate the memories of those who tend them now produce exciting, naturally balanced field blends of Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and other yet to be identified varieties. Newer plantations include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Carmenere with bright acidity and juicy fruit.
Ok, so they don’t mention Viognier, but we believe they make a really good version with plenty of ripe fruit and a nice clean woomf of acidity on the finish.
Finally we reach the Bio-Bio Valley. Wines of Chile say:
Located 500 km (310 mi) south of Santiago. Warm days and cold nights make for a long ripening season, but the Bio Bio’s higher rainfall, strong winds, and broader extremes make for more challenging conditions than those of Chile’s more northerly regions. Winegrowing here requires more patience, skill, and nerve than in other valleys, but a daring few have taken the plunge and invested in new plantations of cool-climate varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Early results show their efforts paying off in exciting wines with naturally fresh acidity.
Moderate Mediterranean climate. 1,275 mm (50.2 in) of rain per year. Average rainfall is among highest of all Chilean wine valleys, although winds prevent humidity. Conditions similar to northern France.
We will be showing the Aromo Winemaker Selection Pinot Noir 2010 £10.49 – as you can see from the notes the climate is perfect for Pinot, the silky, elegant, lush red fruits really showing beautifully in this wine. I really think Pinot could be the next big thing in Chile, you heard it here first!
So come on by, taste some wine and try out some funky little glasses that one of our customers has just introduced from the States.
We’re open now, come and ask us about wine!