I swear it’s only the vino that keeps me and Mrs Ray going. I mean, there’s precious little else to look forward to these days. I’ve given up on the impossible jigsaw, can only watch so much telly and if I never do another Zoom quiz it’ll be too soon.
No, all I look forward to post-breakfast is that first 6 p.m. glass. Well, that and the day my teenage boys finally discover where the dishwasher’s hiding. I don’t ask much; tonight it’s just something chilled and Three Men in a Boat. Bliss!
This week’s offer from Armit Wines boasts six corkers from Italy and a tasty trio from Chile. We start with the 2018 Agricola Punica Samas (1) from Sardinia. A blend of 80 per cent Vermentino and 20 per cent Chardonnay, it’s vibrantly fresh and exhilarating with a mineral — even slightly salty — finish. £14.50 down from £16.28.
Three vintages, six regions, nine grapes from Italy plus a bonus trio from Chile
The 2018 Cantele Teresa Manara Chardonnay (2) is from Puglia in Italy’s heel. Although the family-owned winery focuses on local varieties such as Fiano, Bombino and Negroamaro, it’s this classic pesticide/herbicide-free Chardonnay that catches the eye. Silky soft, rounded and creamy, it’s delicately honeyed with just a touch of vanilla and spice. £14.50 down from £16.17.
The 2018 Cantine Lunae Vermentino Etichetta Grigia (3) is from Liguria in Italy’s far north-west and the baby brother of the estate’s so-called Black Label, which won Gambero Rosso’s White Wine of the Year 2020. It’s 100 per cent Vermentino and 100 per cent delicious. Teasingly aromatic and floral on the nose, it’s full of peaches and citrus on the palate and is deeply drinkable. £15.50 down from £17.
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