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No-one knows wine better than the author and critic Simon Woods, a former editor of the Which Wine Guide and Financial Times wine columnist. Here he picks five of the very best Click to view Top 5 Wine.
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Best Party Wine (LS Old Vine Garnacha 2005) |
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 If you need something that will suit most tastes to get a party going try 2005 Old Vine La Sabrosita Garnacha. From Calatayud in Spain, it's a wonderful mouthful of sun-kissed fruit and Mediterranean herbs that'll keep your guests more than happy. And as it's a real bargain, you should be able to afford a plentiful supply.
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While there are hundreds, even thousands, of cheap wines available in the shops, finding ones that have genuine personality can be a struggle. Thankfully there is little that is completely undrinkable, but the presence of so many bland, under-flavoured reds and whites propped up by winemaking tricks isn’t exactly a positive.
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 Those in search of character for under a fiver are best advised to head for southern Europe. The combination of old vineyards and centuries of experience with a less rustic approach to hygiene is resulting in extremely interesting wines that won’t break the bank. The Garnacha grape – Grenache in France – excels at hearty, earthy wines that speak of the warm south. It’s probably best known for providing the power and passion for Châteauneuf du Pape, but in recent years, Spanish vignerons have been exploiting the extensive plantings of old vines to impressive effect.
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 Like people, vines change with age. Older ones may not be as vigorous as they were in their youth, but they have more interesting tales to tell. In this instance, the vines in question are 70 years old and are found in the torrid province of Calatayud, 150 km south east of Rioja.
The dusty heat of the place comes through in the gutsy berry and bramble flavours, and there are also hints of Mediterranean herbs such as bay, thyme and rosemary. Ideal for glugging by itself at parties, thanks to its joyful fruit, but also a fine partner for roast meats and hard cheeses.
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And If You Want White ... |
If you prefer white wine, try the delightfully aromatic 2005 La Différence Viognier/Muscat, a winning blend in which the Viognier provides plump, peachy flesh, while the Muscat adds musky, grapey freshness.
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TYPICAL PRICES -
2005 Old Vine La Sabrosita Garnacha £4.99/$9.00
2005 La Différence Viognier/Muscat £4.99/$9.00
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