Googling the net the other week, I discovered an amusing list of nicknames for a US supermarket’s range of budget wines.
Each made me chuckle, so I thought it would be good to reproduce some here, with credit to David Stoesz writing in the Seattle Weekly.
And not forgetting his friend Tim Dempsey who came up with the marvellous monikers, which include: Chateau Traileur Parc, White Trashfindel, NASCARbernet, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Vinegar!, Nasti Spumante and my favourite, Peanut Noir.
I have just had a close encounter with the budget end of the wine spectrum myself. Due to circumstances beyond my control, the raw ingredients for tonight’s gastronomic endeavour failed to make the kitchen on time.
In order to feed the nest of hungry little Tipping vultures, I had to make a quick break to the supermarket, returning with an armful of ready-made pizzas.
All this rushing made me thirsty, but such culinary fair does not warrant the grandest or most elegant vinous accompaniment.
Thus, I plucked a bottle of Prime Rosso Bello, a non-vintage Italian table red, from the wine rack.
Available from the end of the month for £2.99 at Aldi, it is quite smooth and bursting with cinnamon spiced, cherry flavours.
I didn’t expect it to be brilliant (it wasn’t) but if you are only spending three quid on a bottle of plonk, you could do much worse.
It is eminently gluggable and reminds me of the house wine served at a little restaurant we found on holiday in Tuscany a few years ago.
The restaurant wine was cheaper than the mineral water but good, honest stuff. Sold by the carafe and lightly chilled, it was perfect for washing down pizza and meaty pasta dishes.
Meanwhile, The Co-operative is knocking out a classy Chilean red and white pairing, from the cool climate of the Limari Valley, with £3 off, until February 9.
Maycas del Limari Reserva Syrah 2008 is structured, peppery and in the Rhône style, brimming with blackberries, dark chocolate and vanilla. Pair it with a juicy steak or roast beef.
Surprisingly the 2007 vintage of Maycas del Limari Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, is still very fresh. Don’t leave it lying around for too long, however, as sauvignon is best supped young.
It has classic cut grass aromas and zingy gooseberry flavours, with citrus, green peppers and mineral notes.
• Prime Rosso Bello, down to £2.99 until February 27 at Aldi 16/20.
• Maycas del Limari Reserva Syrah 2008, down to £5.99 until February 9 at The Co-operative 18/20.
• Maycas del Limari Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2007, down to £5.99 until February 9 at The Co-operative 17/20.
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