Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Paso Primero wines

Tom, the wine-maker for Paso Primero, started out stacking shelves at Tanners Wine Merchants, and studied wine-making at Plumpton in Sussex. Tom now lives in Shrewsbury and makes delicious wines at an affordable price with Batán de Salas in Somontano. Paso Primero has a white and a red that are fruity and easy drinking. Paso Prima changes each year, as Tome will select the grapes that have been growing well for each vintage; last year was Chardonnay and the year before Cabernet Sauvignon.

Paso Primero Blanco, Gewurtz / Riesling / Chardonnay, Somontano, Spain, 14%
This is not a typical blend in the wine world, but it is very common in Somontano to blend aromatic Gewurtztraminer with Chardonnay.  The Riesling gives the wine a subtle honey characteristic. A very floral wine underpinned with citrus and honey, giving it a lovely mouthfeel.  The floral note disappears leaving a clean finish.

Paso Primero Tinto, Merlot / Cab Sav / Tempranillo, Somontano, Spain, 14%
On the palate the first hit is the Cab Sav with its tannic bite, then the Merlot floods through softening the mouthfeel, finishing on a Tempranillo lift of red fruits, then the strawberry and redcurrant finish makes you crave another sip. Very easy drinking, peppery, smooth, without the burn you might expect to receive from a wine with such high alcohol.

Paso Prima Blanco, Chardonnay, Somontano, Spain, 14%
Paso Prima is 100% Chardonnay, in a fruity style, rather than then the earthy Burgundian style, so should even appeal to ABCs (Anything But Chardonnay). This wine is full-bodied, rich with pineapple and mango, and a lime finish. It has been lightly oaked, giving it a slight nutty characteristic, and has a beautiful creamy texture.

Paso Prima Tinto, Cabernet Sauvignon, Somontano, Spain, 14%
Paso Prima is 100% Cab Sav, in a fruit-forward style. Saliva rushes over the tongue on first sip which fades to velvety tannins coating the roof of the mouth. The heat of the Spanish summer days encourage the grapes to become fat and juicy, and the cooler nights allow them to retain their acidity. Big bam blackcurrant fruit, but with soft edges.

Paso Vermu, Somontano, Spain, 15%
A blend of Paso Primero red and white wines, sweetened with grape caramel, and fortified with grape spirit (brandy), then blended with herbs and spiced. This has been made in the tradtitional style of a Spanish red vermouth. Serve over ice with a slice of orange, or cut it with tonic. It's bitter sweet, herbaceous and tangy.

To read more about Paso Vermu CLICK HERE

To read more about Paso Primero CLICK HERE

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Princess and the Pinot members get a discount on Paso Primero wines


Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Fairtrade Wine

Fairtrade Fortnight 2018 runs from 26th Feb to 11th March. The Fairtrade Foundaiton has been working hard to support the farmers and workers who grow our food. Buying Fairtrade wine ensures the farmers and workers get a fair price for their products, plus a premium to help the community develop education, sanitation and healthcare. The Fairtrade Foundation supports winemakers in South Africa, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Lebanon. Why not try a Fairtrade wine this fornight?

Waitrose, Co-op, Sainsbury's and M&S are retailers who stock a range of Fairtrade wines. Fairtrade wines I recommend include the 30' Pinot Noir from Co-op, the Fish Hoek Sauvignon Blanc from Waitrose, TtD Pinotage from Sainsbury's, and Tilimuqui Organic Cabernet Sauvignon from Waitrose.






Co-op has also supported the first Fairtrade and organic wine to come out of Lebanon - Coteaux Les Cedres. It's a little young, but if you see it, buy it, then leave it in your wine rack for a year and it should be an unusual treat!


If you'd like to know more about Fairtrade Fortnight, CLICK HERE.

If you'd like to know more about Princess and the Pinot, CLICK HERE.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Wine with pancakes for Shrove Tuesday

Ooh, yes, which wine with pancakes for Shrove tuesday? That's a toughie! It really depends on the filling...

Lemon and sugar > sweet, sparkling wine, like Asti, or Nyetimber Demi-Sec
Fresh berries > sparkling rose, like Harrow & Hope, or like Premier Estates Grand Rose if you add sugar to the berries
Golden syrup > orange muscat

Chocolate > sweet red wine or Port

Fruit compote > Tokaji

Savoury cheese / ham / spinach > dry white like Soave or Pinot Grigio

Smoked Salmon blinis > Champagne like this Laurent Perrier from Wine Rack

Anyone giving up wine for lent? No, thought not!

To find out more about Princess and the Pinot please visit www.princessandthepinot.com