Fifty two years ago World Cup Willie, the World Cup’s first official mascot, worked wonders for the team. Maybe Gareth and the boys should smuggle him out to Russia, the nation could do with a fillip this summer. Anyway, World Cup Wines is our twist this month so here we go with offerings from six of the favourites. Icelandic Eiswein anyone?
Wackus Bacchus
PORTUGAL Gran Pasco Casa Santos Lima 2015, £7.99, Waitrose
Deep still youthful red, clean fruity nose and damson counter-attack. Soft and ripe in the palate and a robust tobacco like finish. Great partner for barbecued sausages or burgers.
SPAIN Marques de Calatrava Organic Tempranillo 2017, £8.79, Waitrose
Youthful ruby red, fruit and pear drops bursting out of the glass, very juicy midfield palate. Light simple and cherry-like flavours, this is a red that you could even serve lightly chilled on a warm day.
ARGENTINA Hey Malbec! Riccitelli Mendoza 2017, £12.99, £10.99 Mix Six, Majestic
Deep and youthful. Clean understated bouquet.Light floral notes on the palate, violets with a trace of lavender, beautifully ripe and smooth with the hand of God on the finish.
FRANCE Cotes du Rhone Perrin Reserve 2015 £11.99, £8.99 Mix Six, Majestic
Ruby red and still vibrant. Nicely mellow nose, a complex combination of spices and lovely fruit character on the palate. A quality player from a classic France wine region.
A with-food rather than fruity swigger.
GERMANY Darting Estate Durkheimer Riesling 2016, £10.50, M&S
Pale lemon straw. Classic Riesling nose with lime and a dab of turps. Rich weighty and textural on the palate, fresh with lovely balancing acidity. Lovely with seafood but no penalty for drinking it on its own.
ENGERLAND English White Lily Debbie’s Wine Estate 2016, £10, M&S
Pale water-white like the shirt. Delicate aromatic nose, very floral but with citrus overtones. Very crisp and refreshing. Youthful and without restraint, let’s hope it develops beyond the group stages.
