DRINKS: WHITE WINE TO WHISKY – IRRESISTIBLE!

White wines are very popular and also excellent to accompany many foods, such as fish and white meat dishes. Personal preferences say a lot and there are no fixed rules which state that a certain wine must go with a particular food choice.

SAUVIGNON BLANC (12% vol) from South Africa is hugely popular. The Fairtrade production, from the Western Cape, I found to be zesty, with great character, very pleasant on the nose and with an excellent mouthfeel. Grapes for this production are certified as Fairtrade. If a sparkling white wine is required then PROSECCO (11% vol) makes for a much loved choice. I sourced a DOC Brut production, which suited my taste buds splendidly. This Italian delectation has proved to be a winner, in the sparkling section, over many years. The Rosé version of this PROSECCO (11% vol) DOC Brut, with hints of ripe, red fruits is ideal should a little colour (pinkish) be wanted – perhaps at the dining table or when dining al fresco – great! Red wines appeal to numerous people. If I really had to choose, then Merlot or Malbec do seem to be regular selections for many. I located a Fairtrade Organic MALBEC production (13% vol) from Argentina, which ‘ticked all the boxes’ (for me). With an abundance of juicy, red fruit flavours, this production is a full-bodied wine which delights a good number of red wine lovers and connoisseurs. For a sweet wine SHERRY has a ‘following’ of ‘devotees’. With productions ranging from dry, through medium, to sweet and very sweet, my vote goes to PX Pedro Ximénez (17% vol) from Jerez, Spain. Extremely smooth and sweet, this sherry needs little introduction and is made by Bodegas Lustau. With award-winning sherries, being produced since 1896, this sherry goes down a treat with chocolate desserts and/ or ice cream (Vanilla is my favourite).

If Whisky is preferred (anytime) the SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY (40% vol) will not disappoint. Matured, using ex-bourbon barrels, this is a smooth and well-balanced whisky.

I located these drinks at a Co-op store, in their ‘IRRESISTIBLE’ range. If Co-op membership is of interest, rewards can be gained on purchases. Web: www.coop.co.uk Co-op supports Fairtrade.

Web: www.infofairtrade.co.uk