Going for Gold with glorious wine

Everybody’s speaking concerning the world’s greatest gymnast, the world’s greatest sprinter, the world’s greatest swimmer, the world’s greatest hockey participant, the world’s greatest skater, the world’s greatest bike owner and many others.

However no one’s speaking concerning the issues that basically matter to us, are they?

For instance the world’s greatest Prosecco, the world’s greatest pink wine, the world’s greatest white wine, the world’s greatest rosé, the world’s greatest wine membership, and even the world’s greatest wine columnist (effectively everyone knows the reply to that!)

No person that’s aside from one famend gourmand and wine author who faithfully stays at your service, the irrepressible Raymond Gleug.

Sure, he’s nonetheless lacking his beloved spouse, the enigmatic Madame G., away ‘on enterprise’ (so she says), however common readers (hi there, Mammy!) shall be happy to listen to that mild could also be breaking out on the finish of that lengthy, lonely tunnel (not from a prepare, one prays) and he or she could also be again to our stunning dwelling, Rose Cottage, each quickly.

So, the world’s greatest Prosecco in keeping with the 2020 World Glowing Wine Awards is the lipsmackingly crisp, reassuringly elegant and satisfyingly savoury 2019 Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore (an unreal £7.99, Lidl).

This effervescent Italian fizz greets you with fascinating floral aromas earlier than a richly textured palate that teems with tangy berry and barely sharper citrus flavours. One for seafood, salads and canapes and a worthy winner certainly!

Talking of the world’s greatest, the world’s greatest wine ‘membership’ might be The Wine Society (go to thewinesociety.com or phone 01438-741177).

A one-off fee of £40 ensures lifetime membership of the UK’s premier wine membership the place you possibly can entry a variety of each traditional and extra offbeat wines with knowledgeable steering.

As a mutual, earnings are reinvested, maintaining costs low in order that long-term, that preliminary £40 funding is most generously recouped.

When, and if, the solar returns, try the Wine Society’s delightfully tangy and gloriously refreshing 2020 Brindisi Rosato Flaminio (£8.50).

A vibrant rosé with pronounced raspberry and redcurrant flavours, contemporary acidity and a magnificently prolonged end.

I loved mine with grilled haddock, garlic fries and a creamy inexperienced salad.

While pining for my Madame who has been away far too lengthy!

Okay, so world’s greatest Prosecco and wine membership sorted however the huge query nonetheless stays unanswered.

What’s Raymond Gleug’s Wine of the Week? Nicely, lovers of reds you can be happy to be taught that, like myself, you haven’t been totally forgotten. Right this moment’s outright winner is the daring, modern and sophisticated 2020 Vinalta Malbec (at the moment solely £6, M&S). This intensely fruity, plummy and decadently easy Argentinian drop has an opulent palate stuffed with blackcurrant and cherry flavours earlier than a lingering end with hints of lick-your-lips liquorice and darkish, bitter chocolate. Throw an auld steak on the barbie!

Nicely, there you might have it – a collection of the world’s greatest…in keeping with me! I assume discussing the world’s greatest columnists is one thing so that you can resolve. Sure, I do know, I do know…worry not, she assures me she’ll be dwelling quickly. Until subsequent week, tipplers, sante!

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