40 Years of Wine at Marks & Spencer

Marks and Spencer launched its first range of wines in the early 1970s, around the same time I was born, and we've both come a long way since then.

To mark its 40th anniversary of wine retailing, M&S has launched a case of classic favourites - they sent me two to try: an elegant Chablis and a full-on, fun-loving Rioja.

Chablis 2010

Toasty citrus, melon skin nose - taut green apple and white pear with linear acidity, a touch of lime zest and a brazil-nut creaminess; lingering finish.

Absolutely textbook Chablis - very elegant and classy. Lovely aperitif or match with poached white fish in a creamy sauce. Very Good.

Marques de Romeral Rioja 2007

Black cherry, sweet vanilla spice, aged leather and hint of undergrowth with soft, mouthfilling tannins; this is a classic aged Rioja, done in a crowd-pleasing, rather full-on, sort of way.

It could not be more different to the alluringly restrained elegance of the Chablis; for me the initial exuberance falls apart slightly at the finish, but otherwise it is quite enjoyable.

Match with roast lamb or hearty stews.

Other related articles
Food Matching With Chablis at Inder's Kitchen‏
The CWB Rioja-Off
Marks & Spencer Spring Tasting: Italian Reds‏


Links
Marks & Spencer - website, twitter