Wine Recommendations from my local...

[PRO5T]

https://www.dennhoferwines.com

Sorry for the need of one particular site but they're local and do free delivery! Now I drink a whole lot less wine I've taken to ordering a couple of bottles for me and my wife of what I assume is decent stuff rather than supermarket plonk.

I've met the owner of this place and he's a really nice, knowledgeable guy but for ease I usually do a monthly internet order.

I've never had a bad bottle yet but if I'm honest I have no idea what is good or worth experimenting with. Last couple of ones that I found amazing were...

https://www.dennhoferwines.com/Other-Countries/Leb...
These Lebanese red and whites

https://www.dennhoferwines.com/Primitivo-di-Mandur...
This Italian red.

If anyone can point me in the right direction I'd be grateful!

[Venisonpie]

It depends on your taste and budget. A quick look at that I'd try the Rioja gran reserva and one of the montepulciano d'abruzzo's both of which are <£20 a bottle.

[PRO5T]

I'm more than happy paying £20 a bottle for something nice-I'd rather that than £12 on something crap!

[vaud]

Bekaa Valley is normally very good, but it has quite a different taste (at least Chateau Musar does). Personally I like it but try a red first.

From the French wines, this has a good reputation and should be at it's peak at the moment:
La Closerie de Camensac A.H.M.C. Haut Medoc 2015

For Spain I would try this:
Rioja DDOC Reserva Manoso 2017

For Portugal this would be a great wine to both drink and cook with (never cook with wine that you won't drink and enjoy)
Quatro Ventos Douro DOC Bacalhoa 2021

I'd avoid the Californian, they are too cheap - need to look at something like a Ridge or Sterling (Ridge can be exceptional but you are pushing £40/bottle)

Nice selection on their site, might try some as well.

[PRO5T]

I had the Manoso 2017 in my Xmas delivery and it was truly lovely, a welcomed change from my batch of Faustino I that I bulk bought in the 25% off for 6 at Asda last year (which always hit's the spot but can get over familiar) Vaud-I can recommend it.

The site is really set up to deliver to local restaurants although you can visit the place, it's in a beautiful setting in the countryside outside Hexham.

[Regbuser]

Decent fuller flavoured white > https://www.dennhoferwines.com/Grillo-Viognier-Sic...

Nice coastal SA red > https://www.dennhoferwines.com/Cabernet-Franc---Ma...

[PRO5T]

This is tonight’s, the last of the Xmas order.

[vaud]

PRO5T said:

I had the Manoso 2017 in my Xmas delivery and it was truly lovely, a welcomed change from my batch of Faustino I that I bulk bought in the 25% off for 6 at Asda last year (which always hit's the spot but can get over familiar) Vaud-I can recommend it.

The site is really set up to deliver to local restaurants although you can visit the place, it's in a beautiful setting in the countryside outside Hexham.

Thanks for the recommendation.

As for Hexham, I’m due another trip to Northumberland soon. Can’t decide if I like Hexham or Alnwick more (out of season)

[PRO5T]

vaud said:

PRO5T said:

I had the Manoso 2017 in my Xmas delivery and it was truly lovely, a welcomed change from my batch of Faustino I that I bulk bought in the 25% off for 6 at Asda last year (which always hit's the spot but can get over familiar) Vaud-I can recommend it.

The site is really set up to deliver to local restaurants although you can visit the place, it's in a beautiful setting in the countryside outside Hexham.

Thanks for the recommendation.

As for Hexham, I m due another trip to Northumberland soon. Can t decide if I like Hexham or Alnwick more (out of season)

It's around half an hour from us, Alnwick is more of a once a year outing with the kids being an hour or so away. We were actually at the local fruit picking place and I googled wine shops as we were having a steak night at home that evening thinking there must eb something in Hexham.

When we rang up Dennhofer they explained they were more of a supplier but to pop in for a look as new were local-it's a stunning place and Mr Dennhoffer took us through his cellar and picked out something we would both enjoy.

As for Musar, my reasoning for picking some Lebanese wines were we did a tasting with the owner of Musar (or one of the sons I think?) some ten years ago or maybe more-from someone who only knew the Bekaa Valley for somewhat more nefarious reasons it was an eye opener!

We actually have some bottles stashed away in the wine cave for opening in years to come.

[vaud]

Alnwick has a fantastic cheese shop these days.. perfect pairing.