Wines in the press

The Observer

Tim Atkin in the Observer declares that he 'hardly ever' gets bored of wine, responding to a question posed to him at a tasting.

"Wine is as fascinating to me now as it was when started writing about it 24 years ago. If anything, it's even more exciting."

Wine, he says, is still undergoing a modern revolution. He identifies four areas that have emerged and states that they deserve "much greater attention".

Atkin recommends "the spicy, peppery, hauntingly elegant" 2006 Mayu Syrah Reserva, Elqui Valley (£8, 14% Asda) the "brambly, juicy, fruit-packed 2005 Pena de Pato, Dao (£5.59 each for two, 13.5%, Majestic), the "rich, peach and pineapple-like 2007 Tesco Finest Fiano, Sicillia (£5.99, 13.5% or the "intense, mouth watering 2007 The Society's Exhibition South African Sauvignon Blanc. Elim (£9.95, 13.5%, www.thewinesociety.com).

The Sunday Telegraph

The Sunday Telegraph's Susy Atkins expresses her bewilderment of people who "spin out a bottle of wine for two weeks or more".

No excuse, she says, not even in an economic downturn.
"I reckon you can keep an opened bottle of wine for three days, if (important 'if') you re-stopper it swiftly and tuck it away in a cool, dark place".

She recommends a few wines showcasing during Fairtrade Fortnight. Brands include Fairhills or Thandi and the Co-ops own Fairtrade range.

The Financial Times
Rebecca Rose writing in the Financial Times extols the virtues of the Martini, as prepared by Allesandro Palazzi, bar manager at London's Dukes Hotel.

"The classic Martini is what the cognoscenti flock to Dukes for," Rose says. "Gin, vermouth and a twist of lemon - custom made in front of you." She is referring to one of Palazzi's martini masterclasses.

"Palazzi talks us through the importance of a frozen glass. And the gin? Palazzi recommends Tanqueray No 10 - 48% alcohol, with juniper from Florence."

The Guardian

The Guardian's Victoria Moore is in Café Anglais and sings the praises of Saint Peray Mousseux Brut

NV (£13.75, yapp.co.uk; 12.5%abv. "A delicious sculpted, sparkling wine that is already on Le Café Anglais's list.

During her tasting she also samples red Les Vignerons de Saumur Saumur 2007 (£6.95, yapp.co.uk; 12% abv).

"It's near perfect - on song, lightish bodied, thirst quenching, reminiscent of hawthorn and currants, with a brisk edge and unexpectedly intense. Moore also lauds the "gutsy, fruity, robust, peasantiness of Chateau Cuvee Rouband Costieres de Nimes 2007 (£7.50, yapp.co.uk; 13% abv).