Drink

Mid-week tipple: a plump best-seller and new world piece of history

Each week John Wilson gives you two wines to try at home. This week Atlântico 2015, VR Alentejano from Portugal and Colinas del Itata Old Vine Filed Bland Muscat Corinto 2014 from Chile

Wed Jun 29 2016 - 12:00

Atlântico 2015, VR Alentejano, Portugal

€9.99 from Fresh Stores.

The label is a painting, showing the famous Number 28 yellow tram of Lisbon in the distance. This which may sound familiar to some; O’Briens have their Porta 6, a Portuguese red wine, featuring the same vehicle, that flies out when it is promoted at around €10 a bottle – the wine that is, not the tram. This wine is made by a different producer, but has a certain similarity in style. It is fragrant, with plump rounded plum and red cherry fruits and a smooth finish. Dangerously easy to drink and perfect for parties. Apparently this is the best selling wine in all five Fresh stores.

New World should mean new, right? Yet this wine is made from a vineyard that is no less than 110 years old, from a region where grapes have been grown since 1551.

Colinas del Itata Old Vine Filed Bland Muscat Corinto 2014, Chile

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€14.99 from Marks & Spencer

New World should mean new, right? Yet this wine is made from a vineyard that is no less than 110 years old, from a region where grapes have been grown since 1551. Some of the first settlers (or invaders really) planted vines in Itata, 500 kilometres south of what is now Santiago. They needed wine for the Sacrament. This blend of Muscat and the unknown Corinto grape is exotic and intensely perfumed, with intriguing spicy fruit and a dry finish. Lovely wine, and a fascinating piece of history for just €15.