Daniel Champion Brut Reserve

Name: Daniel Champion Brut Reserve

Colour: White

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Year: NV

Producer: Daniel Champion

Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

Alcohol: 12%

Purchase Price: EUR 13 (Direct from producer)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – Made with the traditional grapes from our terroir, cellared for 5 years. The pinot noir makes this wine an exclusive reserve for connoisseurs.

Somnambulist's verdict: (apologies if I have brutalised the translation from French above) – I visited Champagne Champion a while back having tried their wine on recommendation, and was made extremely welcome, tasting all they had to offer! Le Millesime is the pick of the bunch, but this Reserve, at EUR 13 a bottle (before bulk discount!) is a steal. It’s smoother than the regular Brut (which is a little too apple-y for me), with subtle fruits, smokey and fresh, with a biscuit finish. I wrote ‘apple crumble’ on my notes, which I assume was either a summary or my dessert option :-)

La Chasse du Pape Reserve Rouge 2007

Name: La Chasse du Pape Reserve

Colour: Red

Country: France

Region: Cotes-du-Rhone

Year: 2007

Producer: Maison Gabriel Meffre

Grape Varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre

Alcohol: 14%

Purchase Price: £5 (ASDA)

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Notes:
IWSC 2008 SILVER. QUALITY AWARD.

Maker's tasting notes – The name La Châsse Du Pape is derived from the historic chest that contained the great reliquaries of the Popes who lived in Avignon during the 14th century. La Châsse Du Pape Réserve is sourced from the finest southern Côtes Du Rhône vineyards. Our winemakers carefully select the noble grapes Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault to achieve the best expression of this classic Appellation. La Châsse Du Pape Réserve is a full bodied, round and harmonious wine with delicate hints of spices and vanilla, thanks to ageing of the Syrah in oak barrels.

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Somnambulist's verdict: Another bargain cracker – decant this one and let it breathe for an hour or so to get the most out of this lovely smooth, yet spicey blend. I’d be very hard pushed to differentiate it from Chateauneufs 2 or 3 times this price, even side by side. I’ve also seen this at much higher prices at other supermarkets and wine stores, so if there’s an Asda near you go and put a few in the trolley. Alternatively use their home delivery service, which I found infinitely better than Sainsbury’s.

Gran Familia Rioja 2008

Name: Gran Familia

Colour: Red

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Year: 2008

Producer: Castillo de Fuenmayor

Grape Varieties: Tempranillo 90%, Graciano 10%

Alcohol: 12.5%

Purchase Price: £4-5 (Asda)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – Gran Familia is a classic Rioja red wine in the much-loved smooth, mellow style. It comes from one of the region's very best bodegas. Our winemakers select high quality Tempranillo and Graciano grapes and the wine is matured in our cellars for 8 months to create the perfect balance of luscious fruit and silky tannins. Full-bodied with plenty of meaty, warm, ripe red fruit flavours. Drinking well now, but will improve in your cellar for up to three years.

Somnambulist's verdict: Another great find in the search for value at £5 and under. Everyone who has tried this at the Somnambulistic table has really enjoyed it. A+ for value-for-money.