Sunday, January 16, 2011

Thumbs up for the Marple Wine Club

I was giddy beyond words on Friday at buying my first mixed case from the Marple Wine Club. It was also delivered by John Hulme, the bloke that runs it.  The good news was, as we had pals round on Saturday, we could try a few. Here's the verdict.

Domaine Bech Merlot 2008 (Vins dePays du Gard)  3 for £15. John described it as gorgeous, soft, rich wine with concentrated berry fruit and dark chocolate finish. Packed full of character. Agree. Absolute bargain.

Sonetti Pinot Grigio 2008 (Venezia, Italy) £4.55 or £13 for 3. This was described as light, fresh, clean tasting dryish white. "Perfect for just glugging." In other words, it's pretty bog standard. The sort of wine you'd get in a pub that doesn't really do wine. But, you get what you pay for.

We splashed out on a few others like a Mud House Pinot Noir 2008 (Marlborough, New Zealand), another spectacularly fruity and slightly dark wine.

The maverick choice was the Hochar Pere et Fils 2003 (Lebanon)  at  £9.95  Like other Chateau Musar wines it's a slightly thinner than the full bodied reds we tend to go for. It even has that slight sherry taste. Certainly very unusual and one for an occasion to savour.

The best by far, was the Squinzano Rosso 2008 (Italy) an absolute bargain at £7.65, full of body and really aromatic. Terrific.

Overall, I think this is a wonderful idea. We'll be back for more.

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