Its September, the sun is out, and I am still drinking mainly white wines. When being entertained, I am normally handed glasses of; Fizz, Sauvignon Blanc, un-oaked (or over-oaked) Chardonnay, and over cropped, over priced, Pinot Grigio. As a guest, I often rock up with a couple of bottles that I find interesting and am generally horrified when mein hosts disappear with said bottles and I never see them again! When I bring wine I expect to drink it, and share it. These are a pair of wines with real bling.
The Soalheiro Alvarinho 2010, from Portugal (Spain’s Albarino) is full of citrus fruits of high intensity. It’s not perfumed, as the nose is too creamily complex for that but the aromas do make you want to hastily delve into the glass. The mouthfeel is full and substantial, the flavours follow the nose with hints of peach and almonds. The finish is surprising, lively acidity, beautifully balanced with excellent concentration – scrumdiddlyumtious!
The Qupe Marsanne is a classic. Californian, with a big dollop of true French class. A blend of 75% Marsanne 25% Roussanne, ( principal white varieties of the northern Rhone) organically grown in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. The nose is an intense combination of nuts and pears, full and chunky on the palate with an oily richness balanced by classy acidity. It’s a little like a Viognier but without the peachy perfume.
thesprezzaturist 
I like how you describe the wines. Makes me want to try them. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Thanks, rather selfishly, I only post positive comments about wines I like – glad you like em too.
LikeLike
I am in a similar position. I just don’t want to dwell on bad wines. Sometimes I get mad, and then I write about them, if they seem like a particular rip off. But usually I stay positive…:)
LikeLike
I came across an example the other day – inaccurately priced – one of those bogus discounts! It was shocking – weak with over cropped fruit, unscrupulously crafted for maximum profit. The kind of product you feel compelled to denigrate but have to err on the positive as the interweb can be a powerful tool.
LikeLike
I hate this, what we call “moon pricing” in Germany, and which is actually prohibited there: Naming an unrealistic, completely fake price that the product would never warrant and then giving a steep discount to make it appear like a HUGE bargain. When in fact, you are just being duped. It is one of those instances where I miss German consumer protection laws in the US…
LikeLike
Unfortunately this is a regular ploy in the UK. Wines ( and many other products) are advertised this way. I believe it is legal for up to two weeks – then the price must change. It can be a useful tool – for wine at least – especially if the product is bin ended, or the vintage, label or agency has changed. What I hate to see is a product that comprehensively fails to deliver at its new LOW price.
LikeLike