Fancy trying a bottle of something new but not sure what to pick? That’s why we’re here. Drop in to see us and we’ll happily provide some grape related inspiration.
We regularly select some wines that we think are interesting and let you know why. You’ll see these wines in our shop with a ‘Vino Gusto recommends’ sticker on. Take away a copy of our tasting notes or have a read of them here…
Pour Ma Gueule`, Clos des Fous, Itata Valley, Chile, 2017, 14%
The name is a cheeky French expression, to describe the stash of wine the producer is keeping to drink himself. We thought about doing that ourselves, but it’s too good not to share, so it’s now being poured by the glass!
The wine is very fruit-forward with aromas of red berries, black cherry and black pepper with hints of violets. A slight smokey note comes through too. A medium-bodied wine with fine tannins and lively acidity. Perfect as an aperitif style quaffing wine, or wonderful with rustic, full flavoured meat dishes. Try it with duck…
Fino ‘Inocente’, Valdespino, Jerez, Spain, NV, 15%
Sherry can have a bit of an image problem – appearing to be almost exclusively consumed by granny or, at the other end of the spectrum, hipsters. This is a shame as it’s often the most affordable way to drink complex, mature wine which matches food so beautifully. The finished, blended wine in this bottle is at least 10 years old but is incredibly pure & fresh.
This wine is a pale, straw-yellow colour & has delicate, classic aromas of almond, lemon zest & sourdough. On the palate are lovely briny & olive flavours with a super clean, refreshing finish. Perfect to accompany tapas on the terrace (or in the garden!) or to cut through a rich bouillabaisse.
Tinpot Hut, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2019, 13%, £15
If you have been to a Gusto pub, you will almost certainly be familiar with this wine which is a favourite for many of our customers. This is quintessential Kiwi sauvignon – almost a caricature of the style. It epitomises summer in a glass…
The nose is intensely perfumed with notes of lemongrass, passion fruit & thyme. On the palate, the wine is racy & crisp with lots of the fruits on the nose mirrored. If Marlborough is your go-to for sauvignon blanc, this should be your go-to wine.
‘No es Pituko’, Viña Echeverría, Valle de Curicó, Viognier, 2019, 14%
As a student (and avid consumer) of wine, I often shudder at the idea of ‘natural wine’. Isn’t all well-made wine natural? *insert unnecessary and pretentious ranty tangent here*
That being said, this wine is an excellent (and unusually well priced) example of high-quality juice made with so much respect for the land and ‘terroir’. The slightly cloudy appearance is due to the natural vinification. Vibrant aromas of peach and tropical fruits are layered with buttery notes and balanced by a refreshing natural acidity. Perhaps not Viognier as you know it, but certainly refreshing and delicious!
