Drinks of the Month
Chateau de Caraguilhes 2014 Corbieres
What bottle should you take to dinner with friends? It’s a tricky one. You want something that doesn’t break the bank but will impress. Cheap bordeaux and burgundy are dodgy. Barefoot and Blossom Hill brand you as a cheapskate
Obviously it depends what you’re eating (if you know) but this bottle of Corbières should fit the bill with anything meaty, especially roasts and stews.
Mainly syrah with a good whack of beefy carignan and a dash of grenache it’s a bottle that you - and they - will love if you like warming spicy reds though at 13% it’s not over-alcoholic.
It’s also made from organically grown grapes and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. And it looks smarter than it’s £9.99 price tag (though if Waitrose has one of its periodic 25% off deals I’d definitely take advantage and stock up)
Off the shelf: Les Crouzes Old Vines Carignan 2014
If you’re looking for a cheap all-purpose red after Christmas this old favourite from the Co-op should fit the bill.
It’s only 12% too which makes it quite light if you’re used to drinking wines that are around 14% but that also brings it under 100 calories per 125ml glass* which can make you feel smugly virtuous. And it’s on offer at £5.49 a bottle which won’t break the bank (with an extra 15% off today (Jan 3rd) if you buy 4 bottles)
It’s made from old Carignan vines which are indigenous to the Languedoc and is a good simple quaffing red to drink with stews, sausages or pulses. And it’s a good wine for mulling if you’re minded to keep that going through January.
*About 95 calories in fact.
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