Little ole wine drinker me (us?)

[Shadow]

Its still more hot summer in SE england, so more refreshing whites needed:

Moving right to left,
2025 Tesco Finest Stellenrust Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, ZA 13% - another good value gem from Tesco and South Africa's go-to inexpensive white grape. Citrus fruit, clean and fresh with some mid-weight body. (Second label shows 'hints of vanilla oak' - probably oak chips). Good wine, good value. £8.75.
2022 Nk'Mip Qwam Qwmt Riesling, Okanagan, BC, CA 13% - no apologies for yet another riesling, it is such a refreshing drink. Lots of lime and so easy to drink - which requires some care at 13%! Very, very good. Retails at C$33 (approx £19.00 but I paid £6.85, at auction).
NV The Guv'nor 12.5% - its Spanish; with no mention of vintage, or region or grape variety, anywhere (see below). The second label tells us nothing, except its Spanish and all the minimum legal requirements. Clever labelling for the UK market? You decide!
Pronounced citrus fruit, enough body and weight to go with food, I found it slightly too sweet after a couple of glasses. Available at Majestic* for £8.50 (mix 6) or £10.50 (single bottle). Very good value, if you like the style and buy a mix 6.

*Majestic's website states it is made with Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc and some oak-aged Chardonnay added. All makes sense.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

Believe it or not this is a chardonnay. 1998 Kalin Cellars from Sonoma. They only release wines years after they were bottled as they were made for long ageing.

Really delicious, slightly tropical fruit and melon with a little bit of creaminess and acidity. Very unusual wine.

 

[mistyoptic]

In the interests of research. Taking one for the team. We had this range of AF wines recommended. I read some of the wine critics reviews and decided to give it a go.

Well, it’s the first AF red that hasn’t gone down the sink but I won’t bother again. Just as soon have a glass of water. No bouquet, little body and no real finish. At least the taste is palatable. Will report on the white and sparkling another time

 

[Webbo2]

If I’m not wanting to drink alcohol it’s sparkling water or a Pepsi max. Alcohol free stuff is just a no, no.

 

[Shadow]

In the interests of research. Taking one for the team.

Very brave of you.
Taking alcohol out without taking anything else out is impossible...for now. No doubt things will improve but, really, why bother, drink something else.

Interesting seeing the ingredients listed - more rubbish has been added than what was originally removed !

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

I got the Tom Gilbey app and have to say it's been pretty good. When in a supermarket I can ask the app to recommend "class" red wines and it's rarely wrong. Certainly improved my hit rate compared to going by the bottle with the nicest label.