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Ahoy Hot Bottlers - On we go!

Wine is a tremendous way of linking to one another, gladdening the mind and recalling magnificent memories. Some special bottles can even feel like tasty time capsules and this week I opened a memorable bottle dating back right to the start of my wine career which I couldn’t resist writing up for Club Oenologique. You can read the feature here.

And sticking with nostalgia, for my latest Isolation Diary on Mail+ I invited my trusty assistants to challenge me to a nostalgia quiz …. You can watch it here!

With the wealth of online quizzes that are springing up in lockdown, the big question is what to drink alongside? I have the answer! Check out my column this week in EVENT for the best drinks to sup while quizzing. Click here to read.

I was delighted to support the first Great Ormond Street Virtual Fundraising Gala which, expertly pulled together by the dynamic team in just 3 weeks, raised over £36,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital.  Incredible achievements from the kitchen table and thanks to all of you who supported along with the special guests Dara O’Briain, Jack Savoretti, Craig David, Emma B and Theo Randall.

As we continue to stay safe at home, here is this week’s dose of Value Vino for you.

Cuvée Royale Brut Crémant de Limoux (12.5%) £8.99 Waitrose. With the offer price of £8.99 down from the usual £11.99 until 9th June, splash this sparkler into your week and revel in its uplifting effervescence. 

Dehesa de Lantana Crianza Rioja 2016 from £7.99 Majestic. Benchmark Rioja Crianza, plump as a blueberry inhaling a bicycle pump with a twist of splendid savoury depth from ageing in barrel, a great wine from a decent vintage. Wonderful with lamb. 

Tesco Finest Saint Mont 2017 (13.5%) £6.50. A pink grapefruit lazerbeam of a wine. Sharp, thrilling and punchy, this bright refresher is great value from the brilliant Plaimont Producteurs Co-Operative. Petit Courbu, Arrufiac and Gros Manseng may not be grape varieties that trip off the tongue - but this wine does just that. Lovely for an apéritif or pair with fish. 

Taste the Difference Beaujolais Villages Coteaux Granitiques 2018 (13%) £8 Sainsburys on offer until 26th May. Looking for a red to serve cool? Pick this brilliantly made Gamay crafted from old vines. With just the right grip for a simple plate of sausages or salami, this is the perfect red with a license to chill. 

Co-Op Irresistible Gavi Broglia 2018 (13.5%) £8.50. Gorgeous gorse blossom aroma, fruity and pristine, this peach of a wine is a breaking wave of sheer refreshment. Serve cool on a hot day and take your tastebuds on holiday. 

Keep up the messages, always great to hear from you and keep on sipping!

Olly x

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