Eastbourne Herald
In Style
Food & Drink
March 2004
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Pouring over the Spring wines
Never mind the first
cuckoo of Spring. Surely, the pouring of a crisp wine drunk al
fresco is the real sign that we are ready to enjoy some warmth. Here
are six wines to perk you up.
Brut Reserve Premiere,
Champagne n.v. £18.95
Champagne Montaudon
Put a spring in your step and
celebrate the season of renewal with this fantastic dry
Champagne form the House that has been beating the big names.
A full-bodied style with pencil shavings and toast aromas
followed by honey, candied fruit and a finish of lingering
ginger. Impossible to resist!
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Ellen Bussell White
2003 £9.95
Cullen Wines, Margaret River, Western
Australia
This 63% Semillon, 32% Sauvignon
Blanc and 5% Verdelho blend is bursting with spring flowers
and herbs aromas with a crisp and crunchy palate. Its zesty
and chalky acidity makes it perfect for seafood.
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Malvasia Bianca
Monterey 2002 £9.50
Ca’del Solo, Santa Cruz, California
This wine tells the story of a
fictional little girl, Malvasia Bianca, living in the
imaginary kingdom of Ca’ del Solo (on the Soledad-Piemonte
border of Italy) who always seems to be on her way to school
high up in the lush mountains of the region. The skip in her
step is marked by the jasmine, lime and lychee scents and her
young age by the crisp and youthful dryness on the finish. A
winner with fish, bird or Asian cuisine.
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Urban Oak 2001 £6.00
La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina
Much as its name implies this blend
of Tempranillo and Malbec has been aged for 3 months in French
barriques which has imparted a soft, toasty, smokiness to the
rich black fruits. Ideal for most occasions but especially
with cheese or red meats.
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Tamblyn 2000 £8.00
Bremerton Wines, Langhorne Creek,
South Australia
In celebration of the Cornish origins
of the family the name of this wine evokes the heather and
wild moor qualities that the wonderful mix of Cabernet
Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec and Merlot give. Lifted violets and
ripe cherries complement the soft cassis and savoury finish to
the wine. A meat, pasta and cheese accompaniment.
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Brachetto d’Acqui
£9.75
Azienda Agricola Contero, Italy
And to complete the vernal experience
why not try the hedgerow fruitiness and light sweetness of this
pinky red dessert wine from an undersung Italian grape? The
perfume of crushed rose petals awakens the senses and the colour
harkens to the dawn of each new and lengthening day.
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