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Ever So Grapeful

@eversograpeful

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📍🇬🇧📍Freelance Wine Writer
WSET L3 | Obsessed with Rare Varieties | Open to collabs
Email - [email protected]
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•Hello to old friends and new! Welcome everyone! I’m praying that you find the song choice as amusing as I do. Follow Me - part plea but also an intro to me because I love the track and the humour in such a ridiculously blatant request. Seriously though, please follow, I’ll be ever so grapeful. Hehe I think it’s about time to reintroduce myself - my name is Jonathan and this blog began as a sort of wine log, to help me remember what I liked but also to share my favourite bottles with the world. From the very beginning, I’ve been embraced by this warm community of wine lovers who are ever ready with recommendations and insightful injections of info. I’ve learned lots from fellow enthusiasts, personal research as well as a few formal qualifications - I’ve since worked in wine retail and more recently, as a freelance wine writer. I have a particular passion for rare varieties and while exploring these, I’ll be highlighting unusual winemaking techniques, presenting some oenological history and offering pairing suggestions. One of my goals with this page is to inspire people to try something new and different. It’s time to step out of the comfort zone. There are so many wonderful wines fashioned from countless grape varieties so why not taste your way around the world with wine? If you got this far - Happy Days! You’ve got a curious mind and are a kindred spirit - a lover of vino. Stay tuned for many more reviews and news! #instawine #wineoftheday #winelover #winestagram #winetasting by @eversograpeful
72
7 months ago
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•Waitrose Loved & Found Piedirosso 2023 • Named after its red, three branch stems is today’s grape Piedirosso “red feet” (the “feet” refers to a resemblance to dove feet). Piedirosso is primarily grown in Campania, southern Italy, and has been for centuries, where it is employed as a blending partner in several DOCs. Lacryma Christi Rosso, made in the Vesuvio DOC, is the most famous of the wines with a minimum of 50% Piedirosso. On its own, this variety yields mixed fruit wines, deep red in tone and fuller bodied with noticeable smoky and mineral qualities granted by the soils of Mount Vesuvius. Piedirosso’s tannins are soft and this characteristic is used to tame the those of Aglianico - a common blend partner for Piedirosso and one of Italy’s Noble Three. Despite the tannins, Piedirosso can be cellared, thanks to considerable acidity, and varietal wines that celebrate its merits are getting easier to find. • IGP Campania 100% Piedirosso Fermentation - Stainless Steel Maturation - 30% - 10 months - American Oak Maturation - 70% - 10 months - Stainless Steel Decanted for 30 minutes • From this deep ruby wine rises a smokey, sweet bouquet of wild berries and violet petals. Red currant, red and black cherry and berry bring tartness to the table, countered by richer plum and prune on the medium (+) intensity nose. Acidity is also medium (+) and the wine is dry with a hint of residual sugar (not quite enough to be labelled off-dry though). Underpinning the fruit are smoke and gentle, woody spice notes: cedar, clove, cinnamon and tree bark. Mediums for alcohol, body and tannin - the latter are soft, almost dusty yet numerous enough to give engaging grip. Over time the cinnamon blossomed and fruit expanded to include blackcurrant. Flavour intensity is medium (+), and the wine leaves you with the tang of red currant on the medium finish. • With approachable structure and subtle complexity, this particular expression of Piedirosso is wonderfully easy to drink. Have your tried Piedirosso? • Purchased from Waitrose. • @WaitrosePR @Orion_Wines • #instawine #wineoftheday #winelover #winestagram #winetast by @eversograpeful
42
3 days ago
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•Waitrose Loved & Found Aranel 2023 • Born in France, Aranel is a rare and relatively new variety (1961) formed from the crossing of Grenache Gris and Saint-Pierre Doré (a near extinct white grape). Aranel is disease resistant and currently produced in very small qualities in both France (mostly the Languedoc and Provence) and Australia - the source of today’s wine which was crafted for Waitrose by Berton Vineyards. Untapped potential is the situation with Aranel. It creates wines with good acidity and great sugar potential, making dessert wines a possibility. Aranel’s aromatics are another advantage for sweet wine production though they’ll work just as well in dry table wines - I’m thinking it’s gonna be good with southeast Asian food. The fragrant lemon-grass and galangal in a Thai green curry are calling for the intense floral and peachy vibes of Aranel. • Riverina - Australia 88% Aranel + 12% Chardonnay Night harvested Fermentation - Stainless Steel Maturation - 3 months on Lees • An explosion of stone fruit and flowers - the medium (+) intensity nose greets you with a perfumed bounty; honeysuckle, orange blossom and rose frame the trio of peach, nectarine and apricot, plus tangy tinned pineapple. Brightness comes from apple, pear and tangerine with some pithiness to temper the riper fruit; more depth in the form of subdued honey, dried apple, and yoghurt. The latter, is derived from the lees contact which has also given the wine a dense, creamy texture and medium (+) body. The alcohol is medium and well in tune with the rest of the structure - acidity, at medium (+), balances the developed character of the fruit. Medium (+) flavour intensity gives us delicious concentration and definition, particularly at this price point, and it flows into a finish of similar rating - it holds a vibrant character until the end. • Viognier lovers, this one’s for you. Aranel is floral and stone-fruited but more crisp - you’re gonna LOVE it! • Purchased from Waitrose. • @WaitrosePR @BertonVineyards • #instawine #wineoftheday #winelover #winestagram #winetasting by @eversograpeful
63
6 days ago
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•Melpo by Muses Estate Greek Rosé 2024 •Greece has entered the rosé ring with a darker hued challenger to the sea of pale pink. Today’s rosé is crafted from the internally loved Syrah grape and a local fan-favourite called Roditis/Rhoditis. Named after the island of Rhodes, this pink skinned grape is cultivated across Greece as one of its most planted varieties. The Peloponnese peninsula and Thessaly are, literally, the hot spots where the grape’s ability to ripen late and retain acidity are put to good use - high quality expressions show notes of almond, melon and can develop a honeyed quality with time. Along with another variety, Savatiano, and tree resin, Roditis is also commonly employed to make the famous Greek wine, Retsina - a must on your first visit. • Sterea Ellada PGI - Greece Syrah + Roditis Alepou Fermentation - Stainless Steel • Practically luminous in a shade of deep salmon, this dry rosé is not afraid of colour. The nose, medium (+) intensity, is a fruit salad of aromas and their various hues. Tangy red cherry and sweet strawberry stand out with green pear, yellow lemon and its zest providing zippy support. Adding to the not-quite-a-rainbow are periphery notes: white peach, starfruit and watermelon. While the nose is decidedly ripe and fruity, the palate turns up the tension with slightly unexpected medium (+) acidity that energises the palate; creating a sense of vibrancy. Fine linen tannins add a dash of texture, their gentle grip is ferried across the tongue via medium (-) body. The medium alcohol is barely noticeable. What does capture your attention is the stunningly juicy fruit - medium (+) flavour intensity defines each note, highlighting the blood orange that lingers on the similar finish. • With its array of lifted primary notes and subtle tannins, this dry and dark rosé stands out for its colour, texture, freshness and pure ease. • Sample gifted by @VintWinePR. Wine available @Laithwaites.Wine •@Muses_Estate • #Gifted #wineoftheday #winelover #winestagram #winetasting by @eversograpeful
58
9 days ago
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•Château d’Estoublon Roseblood Rosé 2025 • Roseblood Rosé is produced by Château d’Estoublon - a grand building, centuries old, set in a serene estate found in the Alpilles mountains of the Provençal countryside. Though Provence is practically synonymous with pink wine and the French Riviera, it also extends inland as an agricultural hub courtesy of its abundant sunshine. With farming comes rural life, a slower pace, and time to savour the little things. A bottle of wine with friends. A sunset. A walk through a field of lavender. The French call this appreciation “Joie de vivre” - the joy of living. Château d’Estoublon aims to bring a slice of its paradise to the wider world with this rosé. It’s as easy to drink as a walk through a field, it’s elegant like the symmetrical, classical form of the château and as joyous as the company you meet on the terrace. Roseblood Rosé is sharing the Provençal art de vivre.• Coteaux Varois en Provence PDO - France 54% Grenache + 23% Syrah + 13% Cinsault + 8% Cabernet Sauvignon + 1% Clairette + 0.5% Rolle + 0.5% Carignan Fermentation - Stainless Steel + ConcreteMaturation - 3 to 4 Weeks on Fine Lees •Framed by quiet aromas of blossom and chamomile, the medium (+) intensity nose of red cherry and currant, strawberry and white peach form the tart and juicy first impression of this pale salmon coloured rosé. The crisp minerality tempers riper melon on the palate while tart green apple, lemon peel and pink grapefruit reflect the high acidity. Immaculately balanced, the wine is approachable and proffers something more - the fruit is punctuated with pockets of citrus pith. Alcohol is medium and tannin is low, gauzy, like silk tulle. Medium (-) body keeps the wine breezy and effortless as its medium (+) flavour intensity flows into the similar finish. • Does this bottle transport you to Provence? Perhaps. It certainly does have a holiday essence about it, plus a bit more. I think you’ll have to taste it to find out for yourself. • Sample gifted by @VintWinePR. Wine available @MajesticWine @Tesco & @OcadoUK •@Roseblood.Estoublon @Chateau.Sstoublon • #Gifted by @eversograpeful
61
11 days ago
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•Carlos Lucas Ribeiro Santo Encruzado 2022 • The Dão region of Portugal is known for its powerful red blends, however, alongside these there are svelte whites being crafted and compared to Bourgogne Blanc - they deserve our attention. Bical and Encruzado are two prominent white Dão varieties and the latter is our subject today. Encruzado produces well-weighted wines that love a bit of oak and an audience with fine lees. These full bodied whites maintain an elegant profile as delicate florals and elevated acidity give fragrance and lift to the fruit, which range from lemon to apple to apricot, accompanied by minerality. The grape has a tendency to oxidise if not processed carefully, consequently older vintages have not always had the longevity that has developed in recent times aided by improved technology and techniques. Outstanding examples can last a few decades. • Dão DOC - Portugal 100% Encruzado Hand Harvested & Sorted Fermentation - Indigenous Yeast - French Oak Maturation - 5 month on Fine Lees - French Oak • Medium (+) intensity on the nose, the initial bouquet is Chablis-esque with green and yellow apple, pear and lime notes chaperoned by hints of bread dough and toast. As the medium-lemon-hued wine warms up, do not serve fridge-cold, sweet and subtle jasmine and frangipani blossoms make their presence known. Medium (+) flavour intensity offers lemon zest, white peach and kiwi alongside wet stone minerality - the wine has a brisk energy about it with medium (+) acidity and it’s delivered via marvellously soft texture (thank you lees). Said lees also tease some shortcrust pastry while contributing to the medium (+) to full-bodied weight. The oak is so well integrated that it’s actually difficult to detect - a whisper of vanilla is but one clue. Alcohol, medium, is also expertly assimilated. The medium (+) finish is equal parts lemony-crisp and bready-complex. • Encruzado is said by some, myself included, to be Portugal’s answer to Bourgogne Blanc. Why aren’t we all drinking more Encruzado? • Purchased from and alternative vintage available at @TheWineSociety1874 • @QuintadoRibeiroSanto • by @eversograpeful
64
13 days ago
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•Zelna “Balaton” Olaszrizling 2022 •I’ve found a grape that is familiar and yet quite unknown (to the UK market). Olaszrizling, as it’s recognised in Hungary, is grown across central and southeastern Europe, where it is crafted into dry whites, sparkling and dessert wines which make good use of its outstanding acidity. Unlike German Riesling (there is no relation) Olaszrizling is a neutral, less floral variety with a fruit profile that ranges from citrus to stone fruit depending on ripeness. Welschriesling to the Austrians - this name loosely translates to “foreign” Riesling - here, the dessert styles often feature noble rot. Slovenia refers to it Laški Rizling “Italian Riesling” and in Romania it is Riesling Italian. Olaszrizling has even been found in Spain under the guise of Borba Blanca. Olaszrizling is thought to originate from Croatia where it’s called Graševina. • Balaton - Hungary 100% Olaszrizling/Graševina/Welschriesling Certified Organic & Vegan Hand Harvested Fermentation - Stainless Steel • Medium lemon in the glass, the wine opens with a nose of ripe orchard fruit. Via medium (+) intensity, the bouquet is heavy on the pear, white peach and plum, plus lime and grapefruit - this citrus framework is evident throughout the wine. Acidity is high in this dry expression, tempering the tart nectarine notes as well as the hints of banana. Medium alcohol doesn’t intrude in any way, medium (-) body makes for a light and bright profile when you consider the citrus and brisk acidity at play. This is a particularly more-ish wine as the fruit is ripe but just about - moments of citrus pith also reel you in for more of its pleasurable bitterness. Medium (+) flavour intensity gives ample room to pick out each flavour with ease - the medium (+) finish allows you to do so for a commendable period. • Riesling without the florals - this Olaszrizling is a wonderfully energetic and vibrant wine that is sure to make a lot of winelovers happy. • Purchased from The Wine Society - Available from The Sipster & KWM Wines • @ZelnaBoraszat @TheWineSociety1874 @KWMwines @SipsterLiquorStore • # by @eversograpeful
81
19 days ago
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•Jean-François Quénard Chignin Vers Les Alpes 2023 • When it’s hot outside, drink Alpine wine. Why? Well, the whites tend be crisp, light in body and lower in alcohol - a winning recipe for refreshment. The Savoie region is nestled within the French Alps, close to the borders with Switzerland and Italy, where they grow Jacquère at elevations often exceeding 1000ft. Jacquère cultivation is widespread across Savoie, making up roughly 50% of all the vines. It’s a bit of a workhorse variety, producing high yields of grapes that go on to make high acid, citrus wines that are also noted for their subtle florals and minerality. Chignin, Apremont and Abymes are three of the cru Appellations that focus on Jacquère, which must comprise at least 80% of the wines. Jacquère is generally crafted for early consumption ie. Drink Up! Cheers! • Savoie-Chignin AOP - France 100% Jacquère Manual harvest Fermentation - Stainless Steel Partial malolactic conversion • Pour a glass and you are hit with a bomb of just picked citrus. Fresh lemon juice, zest and sherbet lead the medium (+) intensity nose - they are joined by the scent of soft blossoms plus pear, yellow and green apple which add some welcome roundness. Note the medium lemon hue and then sip, it’s bone dry with electric acidity. Alcohol is technically medium, 11%, but quite literally on the precipice of low - this aids the body into light territory. There’s a fabulous saline quality to this wine, it’s moreish. A touch of complexity is found in hints of almond skin, dried apricot, white pepper and compte cheese. I honestly thought this bottle was going to be austere and not to my liking, however, the fruit, though citrus-heavy, is perfectly ripe and delivered via almost ethereal texture. Medium (+) flavour intensity, leads into a crisp, zest driven, medium finish. • Lean and brisk without once feeling severe, this wine surprised me immensely. It’s got a charm about it that is best highlighted when it’s warm outside and you’re parched. Think of it as sophisticated lemonade. • Purchased from The Wine Society. • @JFQuenard @TheWineSociety1874 • by @eversograpeful
74
a month ago
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•Balfour 1503 Ortega 2023 • Happy English Wine Week! Ortega is our topic and we begin in 1948 Germany, when Müller-Thurgau and Siegerrebe were cross pollinated. Released for commercial use in 1981, Ortega is now cultivated in cool climates (England, Canada and Germany) where its floral and peachy aromas have drawn comparison to Muscat. Ortega struggles to maintain acidity as it ripens, however, the lower temps of its regions mitigate the risk of flabbiness and the vine’s cold-hardiness protects the plant during winter. Ortega also has a tendency to produce high sugar levels, and in the coolest spots this leads to well balanced dessert wines. Due to its Muscat-like flavours, Ortega is also eaten as a table grape. In its homeland, Germany, Ortega has been used to add sweetness, body and fruit to Riesling blends in challenging years; now though, plantings are decreasing. • Wine of England - Kent 100% Ortega Fermentation - Stainless Steel • This pale lemon wine opens with elderflower and blossom-perfumed orchard fruit. Medium (+) intensity, the nose is big on the florals and ripe pear - the apple focuses into Granny Smith over time. Dry to taste, white peach brings measured ripeness to the palate as do shy notes of lychee, pineapple and almost-ripe guava. Medium (+) acidity affords the wine a crisp and lively energy, aided by some lemon and grapefruit flavours which are more prominent on the palate. Summery is the overall vibe of this Ortega, with its medium (-) body and discreet medium alcohol. However, there is also an unexpected richness to the texture - pithy and reminiscent of fine suede. Flavour intensity matches the nose, and the finish is refreshingly lemony, with a dash of wet stone - medium length. • Lying somewhere between a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and an Alsace Muscat, this wine manages to combine the best of both with texture, florals and lovely levels of fruit. • Purchased from @MajesticWine • @BalfourWinery @UKVineyardGuide @GreatBritishWine @WineGBSouthEast • #instawine #wineoftheday #winelover #winestagram #winetasting by @eversograpeful
60
a month ago
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•W/O Nero d’Avola Rosato 2025 • The UK heatwave has landed and with temps to match the island I offer you a taste of Sicily. Nero d’Avola is named after the south eastern town of Avola, although as Sicily’s flagship red wine variety, it’s now cultivated across the island. Its richly pigmented nature has seen it boosting blends for hundreds of years and when vinified solo it also excels as a young, early drinking red as well as a cellar-able style. Tannin levels are good and acidity, more moderate. As a rosato, hues tend to be more vibrant than Provence but not as intense as Tavel or Cerasuolo.Nero d’Avola is also grown in mainland Italy, latterly Australia has joined in - this grape is drought resistant and needs heat to reach maturity. Wines are fuller bodied, presenting more plump, dark fruit aromas, liquorice and delicate peppers - chocolate too if oaked. • W/O - “Wine Without Compromise” is a project by Dino Taschetta that champions organic production and utilises 100% recycled glass in its bottles. • Sicilia DOC 100% Nero d’Avola (aka Calabrese) Fermentation - Stainless Steel • This particular expression of Nero d’Avola is one for the Provençal rosé fans. Pale pink in tone and slightly muted on the saline, medium intensity nose, the appearance is initially deceptive. Sip and your palate is rewarded with lively red berries and medium (+) flavour intensity - sour cherry, red currant, raspberry and Granny Smith apple lean into tart fruit territory. Providing counterbalance is ripe, yet refreshing, watermelon and starfruit. High acidity maintains the tension in the structure, as do prominent notes of grapefruit and zest. There are low tannins present, lending gentle, peach skin texture to this svelte rosato. Body is medium (-) while the unintrusive alcohol sits at a restful medium. The medium finish ends on a lemony cherry note. • Crisp, clean and artfully fruity - this blush toned specimen wants food to really perform: Tempura prawns or perhaps seafood risotto. • Sample gifted by @VintWinePR. Wine available @Laithwaites.Wine •@CantineColombaBianca • #Gifted #wineoftheday #winelover #winestagram #winetasting by @eversograpeful
73
a month ago
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•Pattingham Sparkling White Brut 2021 • Happy English Wine Week! I am celebrating our flourishing wine industry with Seyval Blanc from Staffordshire. Grown on ideal, south-facing slopes comprised of well-draining soil, this English Seyval Blanc is not too far from home. Developed in early 20th century France, this winter-hardy and disease-resistant variety has spread to cool climates across the globe, from Canada to Germany, as one of the most successful hybrids, parenting several other PIWIs. Seyval Blanc ripens early in the growing season, making it well suited to the cooler temps in middle England, and its wines are citrus dominant, fruity in character and fabulously fresh - perfect for sparkling wine production. In our bubbly-based industry, Seyval Blanc is the 5th most panted grape in the UK, after the Champagne trio and Bacchus, the star of English still wines. • Wine of England - Staffordshire 100% Seyval Blanc Maturation - 1st Ferment - 9 months in tank Maturation - 2nd Ferment - 20 months in bottle on lees • The nose unfolds with soft chamomile and blossom aromas followed by a potent core of citrus, orchard fruit and toast. A delicate mousse driven by persistent bubbles deliver green and java apple, ripe pear and custard apple, white currant and physalis - these are highlighted by lemon, lime and zest. The fruit is vibrant, thanks to high acidity and the tang of the more tropical varieties is partly mellowed by morsels of autolytic richness and maturation; biscuit, Comte, brioche, hazelnut and dried apple offer delightful depth. Alcohol sits at the edge of medium (11.5%), allowing it seamless integration, while keeping the body and mouthfeel of the wine lighter and marvellously refreshing at medium (-). Pronounced flavour intensity empowers you to pick out each of the notes with ease - with the pear and citrus lingering on the medium (+) finish. • Not unlike a Blanc de Blanc Chardonnay, this Seyval Blanc delivers an alternative English sparkling with the grace of a great Champagne. • Available from @Pattingham_Vineyard and @MomentumWinesUK • @UKVineyardGuide @GreatBritishWine @WineGB • #instawine by @eversograpeful
56
a month ago
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•The Raspberry Bush Rosé 2025 • It has finally arrived; sunny, cloudless skies and appropriate warmth for alfresco drinks. I am, of course, referring to rosé weather - not that we need an excuse to open the pink stuff, rosé is all-weather. Today’s bottle, unintentionally, follows my recent theme as it hails from South Africa - Pinotage.South Africa’s signature red grape was created in 1925 from the crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault (also known as Hermitage). Good acidity and thick skins can yield fine, cellar-worthy wines - Pinotage responds well to oak, in toasted barrels it showcases a noticeable coffee aroma. Medium to fuller bodied reds have been produced for decades, as well as rosé - lately, lighter, pinot-esque styles have been explored more widely. Pinotage could soon find success in a new category as I recently spotted Pinotage in a New Zealand traditional method sparkling, where it replaced the Meunier in a 3-grape champagne inspired blend. FYI - it was fantastic! • WO Robertson - South Africa 100% Pinotage Fermentation - Stainless Steel • Bright blue skies overhead contrast the warm-toned, medium salmon hued rosé sitting in my glass - the contents of which are highly agreeable. Fleshy red berries constitute the majority of the medium intensity nose - raspberry, strawberry, red plum, plus a twist of lemon for a brightening effect. The wine is dry with medium (+) acidity providing great balance to the profile which is wildly fruity. Subtle white peach and currant, plus apricot bring additional approachability while rooibos tea adds an element of complexity. Low, soft tannins suggest the wine’s lighter texture (body is medium (-)) as well as boosting its versatility with food. The medium alcohol simple sits in the background while the wine’s medium (+) flavour intensity ferries flavours across the palate, ending in a medium finish. • Fruity AF and so easy to drink - would 100% recommend as a party-ready, people pleaser bottle. • Sample gifted by @VintWinePR. Wine available at Laithwaites. •@Laithwaites.Wine@VintWinePR@boncourage.estate • #Gifted #wineoftheday #winelover #winestagram # by @eversograpeful
86
a month ago
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