I have noticed in most of my blogs I start my introduction by talking about the weather… I think for us Brits we just can’t get enough of it!

Well, it certainly has been a crazy few days – from wonderful warm Spring sunshine one week, to Arctic (I have included the C for anyone who watched this series The Apprentice!) snow showers and frosts the next. I can only hope the frosts have not affected the vines already in flower on the continent, as we are only now feeling the effects of the small harvest of 2021 in some regions of Europe due to frost damage.

Let’s hope the saying ‘in like a Lion out like a lamb’ means the return of warm spring sunshine is not far off!

It would be remiss of us not to mention some of the issues affecting us at present: from the tragic war in Ukraine to the rising cost of living. On top of this we now have the rising energy prices many of us are facing here in the UK. We are therefore very conscious you might like to enjoy a glass of wine at the end of a hard working day and as a reminder we have numerous wines to choose from – with many price at as little as £7.95 – £10.95. You therefore simply don’t need to buy homogenous low cost wines from the supermarket  – plus, don’t forget we still offer free delivery for 6+ bottles within a 15 mile radius!

This month we have two exciting new wines from northern Italy and produced by a leading cave co-operative. Both Montresor Chiaretto Bardolino BIO Rosé 2021 £10.95 and Montresor BIO Lugana at £12.95 are ideal spring and summer wines to tempt you with. The rosé displays notes of crush redcurrants and cherry and light savoury notes with refreshing acidity. The white is sourced from grapes grown at the southern tip of Lake Garda and is from the tiny appellation of Lugana.

The wine is made from 100% of the grape variety Turbiana, a grape variety that has not seen huge international fame until fairly recently – but nevertheless works wonders here! Fragrant aromas of white flowers, tropical fruit and crushed herbs. The palate is bright with gentle honeyed notes, honeydew melon and grapefruit with a hint of almond. (I know, a lot going on!) and both wines are vegan, veggie friendly and certified organic!

This month our ‘Wine of the month’ (WOM) is from the Spanish producer Campo de Borja in northern Spain; their wines have always been present in our wine rack at home and this is their rather good Borsao Seleccion Tinto (red) made from Grenache, with a dollop of Syrah for good measure. It has always over delivered on quality – brilliant value when only £9.95 but now on offer at just £7.95 (the same price as their entry level Borgia). This is crazy, so come in and grab a bottle, (or better still a box) as I don’t think stocks will last long with it being ideal for the long Easter weekend ahead.