Wines of the Month - April 2024

As the growers of the Wye Valley race to release their 2024 'vintage' asparagus, our thoughts chez Yapp Brothers turn to the best manner to enjoy those simple spears. Some folk swear by lashings of good olive oil and shavings of aged Parmegiano Reggiano whilst others favour immersing the spring gems in melted butter dusted with oodles of flakey sea salt with a soft-boiled egg on the side. It's the gourmets amongst us who have been known to blow the budget and insist on thin slivers of truffle shaved over their portions – more frugal mortals settle for a drizzle of truffle oil and blitzing up the spare ends into asparagus soup. This month's wine selection features the perfect wine for pairing with English asparagus: a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from the verdant pastures of Bergerac. In case sunshine should appear, a rosé from Corsica's granite shores pairs with a southern French vin de soif.

Bergerac: Domaine l'Ancienne Cure 'Jour de Fruit' Blanc Sec 2022
Situated some 10km south-east of Bergerac itself near the picturesque village of Monbazillac, the Roche family's vineyards produce both sweet Monbazillac and terrifically refreshing dry wines that are ideal for spring. This Sauvignon Blanc-dominated white has a dash of Sémillon to add body and texture whilst giving it the legs to age. Alongside vif grapefruit acidity and hints of stone- and tropical-fruit, its pungent gooseberry and grassy aromas and flavours make a wonderful asparagus partner. Salads with a sharp vinaigrette and grilled goat's cheese are similarly successful.

Vin de Corse Sartène: Domaine Saparale Rosé 2021
The Farinelli family's vineyards hug the steep hills around Sartène in south-west of Corsica. Surrounded by a dry and dusty Maquis landscape filled with garrigue scrubland, vines root deep whilst searching for water and nutrients. In such an arid landscape, thirsty drinkers veer towards pinks for sustenance. The peach melba and raspberry aromas of Domaine Saparale's life-affirming blend of Nielluccio (Sangiovese), Sciacarello and Vermentino has a saline edge to set off its berry fruit and citrus zing. The Farinellis suggest serving it as an aperitif agréable with charcuterie, sea urchins or with simply roasted dorade (sea bream).

AOC Languedoc: Domaine de Roquemale 'Meli Melo' 2022
A few kilometres north-east of Pézenas, Dominique & Valérie Ibanez's vineyards around Villeveyrac now stretch to some 12 hectares of organically-farmed vines. Now classified as AOC Languedoc (promoted from Vin de Pays de l'Hérault), Their marvellous mandarin-labelled 'Meli-Melo' is centred on the unusually red-fleshed Alicante Bouschet grape which lends this an almost purple-black hue. Flavour wise, its succulent forest fruit is seasoned with a dash of Cinsault and Syrah, giving the cuvée a tad more plummy fruit and peppery spice. Serve with new-season lamb or, should the sunshine reappear, grilled meats or Baba Ganoush and a big olive-oil-dressed salad.

The Wines of the Month offer can be purchased as a case of 6 or 12 bottles, and as part of our Regular Wine Delivery service.

Santé!

Grant Berry - Shop Manager

 

(Two bottles of each wine shown are included in the six-bottle case. Our standard list price of these wines would be £103.90 plus £15.00 delivery to a mainland UK address - offer price saves £18.95. Four bottles of each wine shown are included in the twelve-bottle case. Our standard list price of these wines would be £207.80, with free delivery included to a mainland UK address - offer price saves £22.80).