Grape Spy: Jean Smullen

2020 Riesling Brauneberger Kurfürstlay €7.49

This wine from Germany’s Mosel region is what we call “off dry” meaning quite a lot of natural sweetness still present. Riesling a native of Germany, produces beautiful acidic white wines. The slightly sweeter style is less common these days, but still very appealing . When tasted you get the wonderful honied character, acidity, citrus fruit flavours and sweet fruit flavours. I love blue cheese and serve it with walnuts and crackers. Try this with a lump of blue cheese and be prepared for a glorious food and wine experience.

2019 Primitivo di Manduria DOC Italy €9.99

This red wine from Italy, is from Puglia in the “heel” of Italy’s “boot” down on the Adriatic coast. Red wines from here tend to be full bodied with lots of firm tannin. This one is no exception, a lovely big wine, perfect for cold evenings. The ABV is 14.5% but I loved the layers of dark forest floor fruit and the robust flavours of this wine. I have a recipe for Italian beef stew slow cooked in tomato and red wine sauce in the oven. Add a tin of anchovies to the dish and you’ll be amazed at the rich flavours they add. A lovely warming winter treat.

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