World Wines On-Trend
If you can’t see past your proven Pinot Grigio or your steadfast Shiraz, take a look at our chart for some great suggestions from wine expert Joe Fattorini that are on the verge of taking the wine world by storm. Joe’s passion for wine means that he is constantly searching out hidden gems and emerging trends that will chime with drinkers who are perhaps stuck in a rut. Search for your favourite wine type in the bottles at the top, then find the matching box below for a wine with a similar palate that is sure to hit the spot – and keep you on-trend.
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A particular favourite of ours is No. 4, the Picpoul de Pinet, a great choice if you usually drink Pinot Grigio. Described by Joe as having “a ripe juicy flavour with just a squeeze of citrus” the grape variety is from southern France and entirely unrelated to Italy’s Pinot Grigio – but we bet it will convert you as soon as you try it! Joe recommends, Hen-Pecked Picpoul de Pinet.
If you are more of a red wine drinker, with a penchant for the fruity, bright red wines of the Cabernet Franc or Pinot Noir grapes, Joe strongly recommends the Mencías from Northern Spain. He reports, “All wine-lovers should be looking towards Spain; it’s a wine-lovers’ paradise at the moment.” The red-berry flavours and the rich aromas of the Mencía wines are the perfect replacement for your Pinot Noirs -and they age well too. Joe’s particular favourite is Descendientes de J Palacios.
For fizz fanatics, if you are still clinging to your Prosecco, look at number 10, the Franciacorta from the Lombardy region in Italy. Here is Joe’s take on it, “You should make 2017 the year you fall in love with Franciacorta. It’s wrong to call it “Italy’s Champagne”. Some people do, perhaps because it’s more serious than Prosecco and made in the same way as Champagne and with the same grapes. But it’s warmer, more generous and fleshier.” These wines can be astonishing value too. Try Borgo Regio, Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy, Brut NV, only £8.99 from Lidl.