Showing posts with label wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wine. Show all posts

Friday 22 December 2023

Record demand predicted for no and low drinks this Christmas at Tesco

It's reported shoppers are ready to create record demands for no and low alcohol beer, wines and spirits over Christmas.

That’s the prediction from Tesco after the supermarket saw its strongest ever sales in 2023 with high demand sustained across the entire year.

Demand for no and low alcohol beer at the supermarket this year has soared by over 20%, while sales of no/low wine rose by almost 15% per and demand for alternatives to spirits grew by nearly 10% per.

To give some indication of how strong the thirst for no and low drinks has been throughout this year, during the first three weeks of the June heatwave, demand at Tesco was over 25% higher than it was for the first three weeks of Dry January.

Another massive success has been pop star Kylie Minogue’s 0% Sparkling Rosé which launched in Tesco last year and which has now become the UK’s top selling premium no alcohol wine

As a result, Tesco prepared itself for its strongest ever demand in December and ordered in extra stock.

Tesco says that the main reasons for the no and low alcohol boom are:

New found shopper confidence in the quality of the drinks, often driven by recommendations from family and friends

Greater interest in health and moderation

An increase in product choice

Ease of selection in its stores with all products sitting in their own fixture

Tesco no and low alcohol wine buyer Joe Olding said: “Based on the massive demand throughout the year we're anticipating this festive season to not only be bigger than this year's Dry January, but to be the biggest Christmas ever for no and low drinks.

“A few years ago no and low alcohol drinks might have been a consideration to have on hand for special occasions but, as our latest sales data, shows they’ve become mainstream and are now popular all year round.

“We’ve also made it easier for customers to find no and low alcohol drinks as they all sit alongside each in the same aisle.”

Among the top brands driving the no and low boom are Lucky Saint, Athletic Brewing and Guinness 0% in beer; Gordons 0% Alcohol Free Gin and the Clean Co brand in spirits; and Nozeco, Not Guilty and Kylie 0% Sparkling Rosé in wine.

The rise in demand for Kylie Minogue’s no alcohol wine has been spectacular with demand rocketing throughout the year with one million bottles sold across all UK retailers.

The drink uses a unique filtration process in order to make it less sweet and retain more of the original wine taste but without any of the alcohol.

Kylie Minogue said: “When we launched our 0% Sparkling Rosé last year we knew health and wellbeing was becoming more and more important in people’s lives and so many of us are leaning toward more self-care.”

Drinkaware, an independent UK alcohol education charity which helps people make better choices about their drinking was happy to hear the news.

Karen Tyrell, CEO of the charity Drinkaware said: “It’s good people across Britain are more open to trying no and low alcohol drinks this year. 

“Drinking lower strength and alcohol-free products can be a helpful way for people to moderate their drinking and stay within the low-risk guidelines of 14 units a week. If you are unsure about how much you’re drinking, take our simple Drinking Check on the Drinkaware website."

www.tesco.com

Thursday 21 December 2023

Red wine over Christmas might be good for you, says expert

A top testing expert says moderate wine consumption over Christmas could actually reduce your risk of heart disease. Scientists call this the ‘The French Paradox’. It could also balance your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes and dementia, too.

Every Christmas, there are numerous warnings in the press and on social media about the dangers of consuming too much food and alcohol. However, a leading medical expert says red wine not only contains a range of vitamins and minerals, but moderate consumption may potentially reduce your risk of many serious health conditions, including heart disease, high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes and dementia.

Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: ‘Research published in the journal “Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases” reveals moderate consumption of red wine has a number of health benefits. 

"Perhaps most interestingly, moderate alcohol consumption in healthy adults and in cardiovascular patients protects against “total mortality”. In other words, the risk of death from all causes is reduced for moderate drinkers of all alcohol (including wine) compared to abstainers or heavy drinkers. The precise cause and effect is open to interpretation but we can consider moderate amounts of alcohol may have a potentially health-protective effect."

Cholesterol levels: "Many people still think of all cholesterol as harmful. It’s true LDL “bad” cholesterol transports fats to your arteries, leading to a build-up of plaque, resulting in the vessel disease “atherosclerosis”. But on the other hand, HDL “good” cholesterol, at healthy levels in your blood, navigates fat molecules away from blood vessels, preventing plaque build-up in your arteries. 

"A paper published in the journal Molecules reveals that several studies show evidence that light–moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a higher level of HDL cholesterol. It also helps prevent artery damage from high levels of LDL cholesterol. Red wine may also improve the function of cells lining the blood vessels, keeping blood circulation flowing smoothly."

Heart: "The same paper also reveals light to moderate drinking of red wine has been proposed as a possible explanation for the epidemiological phenomenon known as “The French Paradox”.  The French Paradox is that France’s population shows lower coronary heart disease incidence and mortality rates compared with other Western populations, despite the fact their diets contain higher amounts of total fat and saturated fatty acids. The study concludes that “a moderate intake of red wine may produce cardioprotective effects”.

Cancer: "Red wine is a good source of antioxidants. A study in the “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” confirms the theory antioxidant compounds in red wine called “polyphenols” can block the formation of cancer cells and inhibit the growth of tumours. Sadly for white wine drinkers, it also confirmed a previous hypothesis that red wine has stronger anti-cancer activities than white wine."

Diabetes: "Moderate alcohol consumption is thought to specifically lower the risk of type-2 diabetes. Randomised clinical trials show that moderate alcohol intake has beneficial effects on insulin concentrations and insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic patients, suggesting that moderate alcohol consumption decreases the risk of type-2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. Research published in “Diabetes Care” shows that moderate alcohol consumption significantly decreased glucose levels amongst participants tested after fasting."

Dementia: ‘There are many studies showing moderate drinking reduces the risk of dementia. Research in JAMA – the Journal of the American Medical Association – reveals, compared with abstention, consumption of 1 to 6 drinks weekly is associated with a lower incidence of dementia among older adults. A major cardiovascular health study of 5,888 men and women aged 65 years or older found abstainers had twice the risk of dementia compared to those who drank between 1 and 6 drinks per week.

Vitamins and minerals: Whilst no one is claiming a swift Merlot counts towards your “five a day”, but a glass of red wine does provide 0.2 mg of manganese, or about 10% of your daily recommended needs. You'll also get small amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium from red wine, too.

"Obviously, the key word when talking about the consumption of wine, or any other alcohol, is “moderation”. Every benefit I’ve discussed is counteracted by too much alcohol. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to heart disease, liver disease and increased cancer risk. Similarly, Diabetes UK says excess alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of type-2 diabetes, and complications in people with pre-existing diabetes. 

"The Alzheimer’s Society warns regularly drinking too much alcohol over many years can lead to alcohol-related “dementia”, a type of alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD). Finally, heavy alcohol consumption compromises bone health, reduces bone density and increases the risk of osteoporosis, warns America’s National Institute of Alcohol Abuse.

"If people are concerned about their cholesterol levels as we approach Christmas, it’s best to get them checked. With GP surgeries extremely busy at this time of year, it’s vital to recognise there are alternatives. London Medical Laboratory’s revolutionary and convenient home finger-prick Cholesterol Profile test measures total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, HDL “good” cholesterol, non-HDL (a newly adopted, more accurate, measure) and other key markers. It can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 120 selected pharmacies and health stores. For full details, see: https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product/cholesterol-profile

(Image courtesy of Circe Denyer of Pixabay)

How to pair your Christmas wine and cheese like an expert with the help of the House of Townend

Most of us love indulging in wine over the festive period. Indeed, 20% of us are looking forward to a glass of red with our Christmas dinner, while 18.8% will be opting for a white (wine) Christmas. 

Ultimately, there’s no better partner for your favourite tipple than some gorgeous cheese. TikTok has seen an explosion in cheese-related videos, with the hashtag #cheeseboard garnering over 901 million views and the festive hashtag #christmascheeseboard receiving over eight million views. 

The hashtag #cheeseandwine has over 36 million views, highlighting how many of us are looking for great pairings to share with friends and family. But how to select the cheese that will pair perfectly with your selected wines? 

Susie Townend of fine wine merchant House of Townend, has some top tips for creating that perfect Christmas pairing to ensure your festivities go off without a hitch. 

Key findings 

    • 20% of us are looking forward to a glass of red wine with our Christmas dinner. 

    • 18.8% will be opting for white wine this Christmas. 

    • The hashtag #cheeseboard has over 901 million views on TikTok. 

    • The festive hashtag #christmascheeseboard has over 8 million views on TikTok. 

    • The hashtag #cheeseandwine has over 36 million views on TikTok. 

    • 35% of respondents to a 2023 survey claim Stilton is among their most-hated foods. 

    • Gorgonzola is aged for around three to six months to give it that distinctive tang. 

What to pair with Stilton? 

Many people turn their noses up at Stilton cheese because of its distinctive blue striations, with 35% of respondents to a 2023 survey claiming Stilton is amongst their most-hated foods. But this cheese is beautifully rich and mellow. One of the more pungent cheeses, Stilton does carry a strong smell but this only enhances the intensity of the flavour! 

Those blue veins are actually Penicillium mould spores. While this may sound off-putting initially, the mould itself – Penicillium roqueforti – is not harmful to humans and works to give the cheese its distinctive creamy taste. 

Gewürztraminer 2021, Dopff & Irion

This dry white wine is zesty and aromatic, with notes of lychee and grapefruit, as well as a lick of ginger and spice. 

Susie says: “Thanks to its round, soft palate, this well-balanced wine brings out the flavour of Stilton beautifully. The lychee flavours of the Gewürztraminer balances perfectly the saltiness of the Stilton for a truly stunning flavour profile.”  

Sauternes 2020, Grand Vin de Bordeaux, Sichel

This French dessert wine is rich and indulgently sweet, balancing well with the tang provided by Stilton. 

“A Sauternes is often full-flavoured and stunningly sweet,” Susie comments. “You may be able to taste a fruity undertone with such wines often carrying mango or pineapple notes,  providing the perfect foil to the salty tang of your Stilton.” 

What to pair with Gorgonzola? 

Gorgonzola is another blue cheese, but one with a much creamier texture than Stilton. Its blue veins are much lighter and it has a much milder taste, too. It’s aged for around three to six months to give it that distinctive tang. 

Gorgonzola is available in two varieties: dolce and piccante. Dolce has a sweeter, creamier taste and is soft enough to eat with a spoon, while piccante Gorgonzola has a stronger taste, with clearer sections of blue striations. 

Chianti 2021, Duca di Saragnano, Barbanera

This wine is soft, fruity and smooth. Susie says: “Red wine pairs well with the bold flavour of Gorgonzola cheese, offering a delightful flavour combination.” 

Chiantis are often bright red in colour and carry a distinctive savoury flavour, endearing them to stronger flavours, such as piccante Gorgonzola. 

Verdicchio di Castelli dei Jesi 2022, Pontemagno

Susie also recommends a lighter, white wine to pair with Gorgonzola cheese: “The fruitiness of the elegant and crisp Verdicchio truly works to complement the salty taste of the Gorgonzola.” 

Although the Verdicchio has a delicate flavour, it is also rich with great character, making it the perfect partner to tangy blue cheese. 

What to pair with Brie? 

Brie is another gorgeously creamy cheese, with a buttery, smooth texture and a gorgeous   melt-in-the-mouth middle. There are many different varieties on the market, each with different levels of creaminess. An aged Brie will have a stronger, fuller flavour profile, while a young Brie has a milder taste. 

The rind of this particular cheese is also edible and carries a distinctive, tangy flavour that enhances the overall indulgent experience. Always make sure to check the rind for signs of cracks and mould – a quality Brie should have a creamy, white rind. 

Beaujolais Villages 2022, Domaine Pardon

Susie recommends pairing your Brie with a juicy Beaujolais: “Soft and ripe with an undertone of berries and bramble, this delicious red wine will offset the buttery profile of your Brie perfectly.” 

Some Beaujolais also carries flavours of violet and raspbery, making for an interesting flavour combination, especially if you’re indulging in the mushroom-like taste of the Brie rind. 

Chardonnay 2022 Les Argelieres 

This versatile white varietal encompasses a wide variety of flavours and finishes, but Susie recommends choosing a bottle that has undergone the ageing process with oak: “This process brings sweet notes of vanilla to the wine, helping to bring out the subtle creaminess of a younger Brie.” 

A Chardonnay is generally a full-bodied wine with buttery undertones that pair well with both younger and older Brie cheeses. The recognisable flavours of apple and citrus fruits can evolve into more exotic notes of papaya and pineapple! 

What to pair with goats cheese? 

Goats cheese is well-known for its distinctive smell – like Stilton, this particular cheese has a bit of a bad reputation. But when paired with the right wine, it can offer a fresh and exciting tasting experience! 

Although many goats cheeses are soft, you can find firmer varieties with different flavour profiles. Depending on how the cheese is produced and for how long it is aged, goats cheese can be tangy, mild and even quite sweet. 

Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Le Charme

A classic pairing for goats cheese, Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, bright and juicy. Susie explains: “This pairing works so well because the acidity and citrus flavour of the wine brings out the earthy, herbal taste of the goats cheese.” 

The aromatic notes of the Sauvignon Blanc balance out the rich, gamey flavour of the goats cheese, creating the perfect match. 

What to pair with Manchego? 

This fragrant Spanish cheese has an intense, creamy flavour profile. With hints of fruitiness and a nutty undertone, this hard cheese is sweet and immediately distinctive. 

If you prefer a stronger, full-bodied cheese with a distinctive aftertaste, try aged Manchego, whilst a 

semi-cured Manchego profiles a softer, milder flavour. A semi-cured Manchego has little ‘eyes’ running throughout its interior, providing a fuller, richer aftertaste. 

Muerza Rioja Crianza 2016, Bodegas Ugalde

This red wine delivers a rich, bold taste profile with a variety of potential flavours depending on its ageing process. Susie explains: “Younger versions of a Rioja will feature overtones of red berries, while those that have been left to age for longer will incorporate more vanilla and caramel tones.” 

This rich, tannin-high tipple will meet aged Manchego with bold, bright flavours while balancing out the milder taste of a younger Manchego cheese. 

Verdejo 2022, Oro de Castilla

This delicate white wine pairs beautifully with a lighter, younger Manchego cheese. With layers of elderflower and citrus fruits and a bright, fresh palate, this wine is both subtle and refreshing. 

However, Susie points out: “When aged for longer, this fruity wine takes on a richer flavour profile with nutty undertones,  making it the perfect partner for an older Manchego.” 

What to pair with Gruyère? 

Gruyère cheese carries a nutty, creamy flavour, ranging from mild, green undertones when young and a sharper zest once aged. Firm and yellow in colour, Gruyère hails from Switzerland and usually undergoes an extensive ageing process for six months or longer. 

Pinot Noir 2020, Scotchmans Hull, Geelong, Australia

This red wine is typically refreshing and complex. Susie comments: “A great Pinot Noir is compelling and beguiling, a symphony of flavours with notes of cherry and raspberry that will offset the nuttiness of a Gruyère. 

“When aged in French oak barrels, notes of spice and a hint of vanilla can also become apparent, further enhancing the creaminess of this firm cheese.” 

Kuki Riesling 2020. Marlborough, New Zealand

This white wine offers a more refreshing pairing, with a more natural flavour palette. Susie comments: “With a good Riesling, you can expect delicate fruit flavours, ranging from lime and apple to peach and apricot, perfectly balancing the rich nuttiness of your Gruyère.” 

What to pair with Wensleydale? 

Wensleydale cheese is pale in colour with a delicate, mild taste. Often crumbly and moist, this cheese is traditionally made with sheeps milk, enhancing its sweetness.  This particular cheese becomes firmer as it ages, while retaining its fresh, milky flavour. 

Viognier 2022, Los Coches, Argentina

Susie recommends pairing a glass of Viognier with your Wensleydale cheese for a mouthwatering combination: “With its smooth, rounded finish and perfumed ripe peach notes this rich and spicy white wine delivers a punch of flavour, enhancing the milder notes of Wensleydale cheese.” 

 

With Susie’s tips and an understanding of the flavour profiles of all your favourite cheeses, you’ll be the master of the cheeseboard this festive season. 

Whether your guests are looking for a mild Wensleydale or a bright, bold Stilton, you’ll be able to select the perfect wine pairing to tantalise their tastebuds. 

 That's Christmas would like to thank Susie Townend and her family business, www.houseoftownend.com

FACTFILE: House of Townend was established in 1906 in Yorkshire and has remained in the ownership of the same family for well over 100 years. For four generations, the business has built direct relationships with some of the world's best and finest wine producers. Its buying emphasis lies firmly with the smaller, quality-led, and often family-owned, wine estates and domaines that possess like-minded philosophies. 

Whilst the traditional wine producer is an important part of its portfolio, House of Townend works hard at being at the cutting-edge of the wine world, too. House of Townend seeks out the new star performers, ensuring it gets into the supply chain before the new suppliers become renowned and obtaining product becomes impossible. 

(Image courtesy of Image by Hansuan Fabregas and Pixabay)

Friday 15 December 2023

Worried over what wines to pair with Christmas dinner? Wickhams has the answers!

Preparing the perfect feast for your Christmas day takes a great deal of thought and knowing the right wines to pair with each element can be tricky, the food has a big impact on how the wines taste. 

But don't worry, Wickhams has it covered with this comprehensive guide!

All wines listed are available to order until Wednesday 20th December from wickhamwine.co.uk for pre-Christmas delivery.

Fizz:

First, let's talk about fizz! Some people even like to start the day with a little breakfast Buck's Fizz. If that's you then Filare Italia Prosecco Extra Dry is an excellent all rounder. Later in the day, if you want to toast Christmas using something made using the Champagne method but without the price tag, then Cave de Turckheim “Mayerling” Brut is an elegant option from Alsace. This sparkling Pinot Blanc will cut through the fattiness of smoked salmon blinis or compliment a creamy baked brie. 

Seafood:

If you want to go for the real thing, perhaps to pair with some oysters or seafood, then AR Lenoble Brut Intense NV is from one of the few remaining family owned Champagne houses. An English sparkling wine is a patriotic alternative, Henners Brut NV has the elegance to make this pairing sing. 

For the traditionalist who prefers prawn cocktails over oysters, then we recommend Vouvray Deniché 2021. The gentle sweetness of prawns combines perfectly with this medium-dry wine made from Chenin Blanc and has the balance of acidity and sweetness to carry this pairing off.

Turkey:

Now to the main event. There's the turkey, of course, various stuffings, sauces, vegetables, potatoes, and pigs in blankets. Finding one wine to match everything seems difficult, nigh on impossible, but Wickhams is here to help.

Pinot Noir is a good choice as it pairs with many flavours, Louis Père et Fils Mercurey "L'Or Rouge" 2019 is classic Burgundy. Cru Beaujolais is a more value conscious proposition, made using Gamay it shares similarities with Pinot Noir. Clos du Vieux Bourg "Javernières" Morgon 2020 is an excellent example which would pair equally well with goose or duck.

When looking for a white the perfect match is a ripe, lightly oaked Chardonnay. Burgundy is the obvious place to look, Florent Rouve Saint Véran En Crêches 2020 has everything you want from white Burgundy. 

Those seeking a solid value option need look no further than De Wetshof Estate Bon Vallon "Sur Lie" Chardonnay 2022 from South Africa. South African wines are proving excellent value for money at the moment because of the exchange rate with the Rand. 

Roast beef:

Prefer beef rather over turkey? Then a bold red is an easy partner. Anything from the Peter Falke range will work, PF Ruby 2017 is my personal favourite, these Stellenbosch wines are serious wines for serious food. 

The south of France has plenty of options whose tannins will soften thanks to the interplay of meat and wine. Le Lion de Cicéron 2019 is an organic wine from Corbières which fits the bill.

Pudding:

Christmas lunch, of course, isn't really complete without a flaming, fruit packed, boozy pudding. Borges Tawny Reserva Port NV has the depth and sweetness to seize the day.

If Yule Log is more your thing, pair it with Cline Cellars Late Harvest Mourvèdre 2017. Luxuriously sweet and divinely tempting you'll be reaching for another glass.

Cheese:

If you have any room left then you can round off the Christmas feast with a cheese plate, which is ripe for wine pairing. We definitely recommend a vintage Port. This big, fortified wine is an unrivalled partner to strong, salty, creamy, blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort or Gorgonzola. Krohn Vintage Port 2003 is drinking well now.

For pungent soft cheeses, think Brie or Camembert, will pair well with an aromatic Viognier. Try Le Versant Viognier 2021 from the south of France. Real Cheddar, from Somerset, needs an equally robust red to match. Syrah (or Syrah based blends) have the oomph to work. Smalltown Vineyards "Knock Knock" Shiraz 2020 from Australia's Barossa Valley is a great choice.

Semi-hard cheeses like Cornish Yarg or Emmental need a wine with acidity. English wines are often defined by their strident acidity, Sharpham Estate Selection 2021 will provide a nice counterpoint to the inherent fattiness of the cheese.

Now all that's needed is to dig out those board games!

(That's Christmas would like to thank Wickhams for their help in preparing this feature.)

Tuesday 12 December 2023

Christmas Trend Alert: Try English Pink Wine With Your Turkey and Cranberry Sauce

Pink & Co co-founder Clem Yates is the only female Master of Wine based in the UK specialising in English rosé and has 20 years experience making wine for big brands such as Waitrose, Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Majestic Wine. She also has a degree in Chemistry and Oenology, which is the study and science of winemaking.

With her scientific background, Clem explains why their English Pink rosé is the perfect match for a traditional Christmas turkey with cranberry sauce: “Basically, you need to look at the pH scale measure of acidity which ranges from 1 to 14 - the lower the pH, the higher the acidity. Cranberry sauce is acidic with a pH around the 3.5 mark, and our English Pink wine matches up to that with a pH of 3.30.

“Acidic foods can be tricky to pair with wines because the acidity can actually make the wine taste bitter, sour or flat. However, if you choose a wine with a high acidity, like our English Pink rosé, it provides a counterbalance to foods like cranberry sauce. A high acid wine also cuts through rich, fatty foods, refreshing your palette - making this wine the perfect pairing for decadent Christmas fare.”

British rosé brand Pink & Co has created a luxurious dry rosé wine, English Pink - the perfect accompaniment to the ubiquitous cranberry sauce served alongside your traditional turkey.

The reason Pink & Co’s rosé has a high acidity is because of the cooler grape growing climate found in England. 

More information about English Pink:

Originating from vineyards in the South of England, English Pink is a vegan-friendly Provence-style rosé with a very pale pink colour and an alcohol volume of 12%. The tasting notes are; delicate strawberry fruit with a concentrated palate, lovely fresh acidity and great length.

Made in small batches from premium grape varieties such as Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, the grapes are sourced according to the vintage conditions whilst maintaining a consistent colour and flavour profile every year.

Available on the Pink & Co website, English Pink rosé is priced at £22.95 per bottle, with a case of six available for £137.50.

To find out more, visit https://www.pinkandco.co.uk 

To us, this sounds like an excellent wine for Christmas feasting and drinking.

Friday 24 November 2023

Female Entrepreneur Targets Hospitality Industry with Healthier Choice Prosecco Brand

33-year-old Kath Jones, from Aigburth, Liverpool says she is targeting high-end foodservice and hospitality venues with her products thanks to a huge shift in behaviour towards veganism, ketogenic lifestyles and a growing number of people  who are cutting sugar from their diets. 

ThinK Wine is an award-winning brand of prosecco and sparkling rose offering consumers a healthier alternative to its full sugar competitors without losing the taste or the percentage volume. And it has been wowing judges in blind taste tests.  

ThinK Wine has just 75 calories and 0g carbs, 0g fat, with 0.58g of residual sugar per 125ml (this is legally classed as zero sugar under UK standards), while still retaining an ABV of 11%. The product contains no artificial sweeteners or ingredients. 

So far, Kath has been selling direct to customers via the ThinK Wine website https://www.thinkwinegroup.co.uk, with the product available in a small number of exclusive, independent hospitality venues. 

Kath now aims to grow the trade side of her business after her own research discovered a gap in many premium restaurant and bar drinks menus for a luxury brand like ThinK Wine. Customer feedback also highlighted strong demand for it. Consumers would dearly love to see healthier alternatives on menus and in restaurants and bars where sugary, calorie-packed alcoholic drinks are often the only option. 

Kath says she wants her sparkling wines to be available in as many premium restaurants and bars as possible and has put in place a dynamic business development strategy to target the sector. 

“My customers want the same healthier choices they have at home, when they are out for dinner or on a night out. It's a premium product so we're hoping to target fine dining establishments, premium restaurants, luxury hotels and cocktail bars, initially.” 

“I know this concept is a winner,” Kath explains. “It's a hugely popular product.  

“People are increasingly health conscious, they are more switched on to things like sugar addiction, additives and sulphites, but they also still want to be able to enjoy a drink now and again. With no palatable alternative available on the market, I felt moved to create something. That's how ThinK Wine was born, and we've been growing exponentially ever since.” 

Kath has been on a journey of discovery since she began her mission to bring ThinK Wine to fruition and as well as getting her products onto drinks menus is also keen to change people's perceptions of prosecco. She continues:  “Done right, prosecco is a premium product; it doesn't have to be filled with sugar, or worse, artificial sweeteners and sugar alternatives. The problem is much of the cheaper prosecco that's readily available uses lots of sugar to mask the quality of the grape. It's giving this fabulous drink a bad name; but it doesn't have to be that way.  

“We're not using sweeteners or artificial ingredients instead of sugar either, I want to be very clear on that. When you choose a premium quality grape, the natural flavour is all that you need. 

“Our customer feedback is that they love the product, and can't get enough of it, but they also want to keep their diet low carb, vegan or low calorie without having to forgo dinner dates and nights out, or having to switch to a drink that they don't like.  

“Unfortunately, at the moment, there just aren't enough viable healthier choice sparkling wines out there on menus and wine lists, that also deliver on taste. I want to change that.”   

ThinK Wine is available in a select number of independent restaurants including Pullman Hotel Liverpool, ACC arena Liverpool, Pendergast's Warrington, Castle Street Townhouse, Chester Townhouse and Hope and Smoke. 

The brand has continually outperformed its full sugar and non-vegan/organic competitors in blind taste tests and has won the following awards: People's Choice Wine Awards 2022 (silver), London Wine Competition 2022 (bronze), Glass of Bubbly 2022 (silver), The Drinks Business Global Pinot Grigio Masters 2020 (bronze) and Las Vegas Global Wine Awards (silver), as well as gaining a 4.96 rating on Judge Me. 

ThinK Wine – The Products 

Quality and taste is everything to the team at ThinK Wine, who believe being Prosecco drinkers has given them an edge over the competitors in creating the perfect blend of flavours for wines with a fresh and revitalising finish, despite the health-conscious benefits. 

The company is proud to say all of its wines are 100% vegan/organic and have low sulphites. As a business ThinK Wine operates as sustainably as possible and as of March 2023 ThinK Wine Group has been a certified B-Corporation. 

The brand currently has two main product lines, with more product development in the pipeline for 2024. 

ThinK Prosecco 

ThinK Prosecco is a vegan and organic sparkling wine with both reduced sugar and calories.  

It is made from the finest Glera grapes from the heart of Treviso, north-east Italy for a Prosecco that is fresh, satisfying and luxurious. Its appearance is fine and persistent perlage, straw yellow colour. On the nose its intense bouquet with light notes of green apple and citrus. The taste is fresh, aromatic and elegant, with light notes of bread crust and green apple. 

ThinK Prosecco is a delicious complement to fried fish, tempura vegetables, tofu and fine meat. 

ThinK Pink 

ThinK Pink is a Pinot Grigio Sparkling Rosé. It is a vegan and organic sparkling wine with both reduced sugar and calories. ThinK Pink is made from the finest Pinot Grigio grapes from the heart of Treviso, north-east Italy. Its appearance is fine and persistent perlage with a light pink colour.  

On the nose its refined bouquet is characterised by delicate hints of strawberry, gooseberries and pink grapefruit. The palate is fresh and delicate with a soft mousse. 

ThinK Prosecco pairs nicely with fish, vegetable and tofu dishes with light sauces 

After consulting with her client-base, some of the UK's biggest online influencers and celebrities, she confirmed that the idea was a winner.  

“I work with a lot of celebrities and influencers in my 'day job' and I honestly haven't found one of them that thinks having a healthier prosecco on menus is a bad idea. They have busy schedules and always out attending launches and events in the evenings; they all agree that a less calorific version of their favourite fizz should be an option. But we're not just reliant on word of mouth, as a brand we've conducted extensive market research, and the outcome is always the same. A resounding yes please!”  

“My job now is to raise the ThinK Wine brand's profile among the bigger players in the foodservice industry and hopefully bring some positive changes to wine lists across the country.” 

Saturday 14 October 2023

Asda has a nice, crisp plan for your Christmas season eating!

Elevating an affordable night in with a luxury offering and taking snacking to a new level, Asda has put together the ultimate crisp and wine pairing guide - from Pigs in Blankets and Pinot to Salt & Vinegar Sticks and Vouvray Chenin Blanc.

Hand cooked for the perfect crunch; the Extra Special Sea Salt & Black Pepper Hand Cooked Crisps (£1.35) should be paired with Asda’s Extra Special Dao (£7.50). The earthy, pepper flavours in the crisps match well with the herbal and black fruit notes of the wine.

Onion Rings (£1) but not as you may know them, these crisps are best paired with Asda’s Extra Special Malbec (£7.75); its strawberry and black cherry flavours are elevated by the pickled tang of the crisps.

Salt & Vinegar Sticks (£1) are a classic, and the slight sweetness Extra Special Vouvray Chenin Blanc (£8.00) balances the salty and tangy flavours.

Like a bit of spice? The fizz and freshness of the Extra Special Prosecco Brut (£8.00) cuts through the sweet, spicy and salty flavours of the Extra Special Korean Gochujang Hand Cooked Crisps (£1.35), creating a taste sensation.

As it gets closer to Christmas, Asda’s limited edition seasonal crisps are the perfect snack to enjoy alongside a winter tipple.

Hand cooked and seasoned with a rich and smoky flavour, the Extra Special Pigs in Blankets Hand Cooked Crisps (£1.35) should be paired with Asda’s Extra Special Pinot Noir (£8.00), as the delicate plum notes of the wine balance out the pork flavour.

The zesty acidity and minerality of the Extra Special Rueda (£6.00) compliments beautifully the stuffing flavour in the Extra Special Turkey & Stuffing Hand Cooked Crisps (£1.35), which are seasoned to give a hearty and herby flavour.

With smoky cherry fruits and a hint of cedar, Asda’s Extra Special Plan De Dieu Côtes Du Rhône Villages (£.8.75) is perfect with meatiness of the Extra Special Beef in Red Wine Gravy Hand Cooked Crisps (£1.35).

Ideal for the Christmas party table, the Asda Turkey Curry Crisps (£1.10) are a mix of snack shapes and seasoned with a mild turkey curry flavour. The Extra Special South African Chardonnay (£7.25) is the one to enjoy these with, with the creamy mild spices of the curry flavours balancing out the pairing.

www.asda.com

Tuesday 8 August 2023

Over the next few months That's Christmas will come out of hibernation

Yes, over the next few months That's Christmas will come out of hibernation and we will be bringing our readers all the latest news on Christmas gifting ideas, plus how to source items for delightful homemade Christmas gifts and trinkets.

That's Christmas will also be carrying news and features on Christmas season foods and drinks, plus Christmas-related foods and special seasonal drinks.

So please, watch this space!

And if you have news of a Christmas-related product or service that you would like to share with our readers, please email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com


Thursday 22 December 2011

GOLD SPIRITS at Christmas!

Let us introduce you to GOLD SPIRITS, a range of exquisite spirits enhanced with 22 carat Gold Flakes!
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Gold Cuvee is a sparkling pinot with edible 22 carat Gold Flakes in it! Bubbly, fun Gold Cuvee is a good way to end the year in style!
And to start the year, try their flavoured sparkling vodkas enhanced with real 22 carats Gold Flakes
Pink V : Produced from premium vodka and enhanced with a dash of liqueur, the Pink V brings a unique taste and more: a subtle sweetness matched with elegance to special moments. (20% alcohol)
Gold V : This flavoured Gold Vodka is perfect to make subtle and surprising cocktails! (20% alcohol)
Offers are currently running on GOLD SPIRITS product, please find more information at the following link :
 

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Odd Bins says recycle your bottles. With a difference!

Recycling their empty bottles has proved very productive for these lucky people, echoing the New Year saying ‘out with the old and in with the new.’

They were caught by surprise in Central London and were handed a full bottle of Oddbins Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon in return for their empties.

The high street off licence plans to place the bins around the country later in the year to encourage people to recycle their unwanted bottles.

Oddbins relaunched across the country two months ago with a diverse range of wines and a closer connection to the customer.

Simon Mason, Head of Commercial at Oddbins, said: “These are the odd bins that just keep on giving! We wanted to bring in a bit of Christmas cheer and try to find a fun way to encourage people to recycle - and you can tell by the reaction of the people in the video that it worked.

"I have to say that if you pop into one of our stores across the country the only surprise you will get is the wide range of wines we have and the great prices. I promise no one will jump out at you. If only the banks worked this way."

Friday 9 December 2011

Aldi for Christmas

Over the next several days, That's Christmas and sister site That's Food and Drink will be writing articles about the special seasonal foods and drinks (including speciality spirits, liquors, wines and beers) that are available from Aldi.

The quality is far higher than some 'nationally known' food brands and all at far keener prices, too.

Please keep an eye out for these articles. Because they'll tell you how with Aldi you will be able to host the perfect Chirstmas and New year and all at prices that you might think went out of fashion, years ago!

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Wine selection gifts with a difference

Newly launch website, halfwine.com specialises in fine wines by the half bottle. This offering answers the growing market for half bottles of wine; the perfect present discerning individuals who are health conscious and keen to limit their alcohol intake.

37.5cl sized bottles of wine offer between two and three glasses of wine. The founders have put together halfwine.com gift packs and tasting packs alongside the usual offering; these selections make the perfect Christmas present for wine-lovers.

halfwine.com gift packs include: Champagne Gift Pack (2 x 375ml Guy Charbaut NV, Cuvée de Réserve Brut 1er Cru Champagne) ; The great 2005 vintage Bordeaux and Burgundy (4 x 375ml) for just £38.90 including delivery; Dinner Gift Pack (4 x 375ml) –champagne, white, red and a dessert wine; halfwine.com Tasting Packs (choose your own) and the www.halfwine.com wine club offers a chance to taste new wines throughout the year. Available from £33.90

Monday 10 October 2011

Gran Stead’s for Christmas!

You really do need some Gran Stead's real non-alcoholic ginger wine in for the Christmas and New Year Season!

Alcohol free it may well be. But! It's not for the timorous! Gran Stead's has a bite and a kick more associated with a mule than with a so-called soft drink!

It has a traditional and proper taste of real ginger, like ginger drinks used to taste of, until they decided to go all chemical and 'nature identical' on us!

But there's none of that artificial nonsense with Gran Stead's! It gives you exactly what it says on the bottle!

It mixes well with other drinks so can be at home in a glass by itself or as part of a cocktail for Christmas.

It is also your editor's experience that it also helps should you get one of those nasty little Christmas time sniffles! Though warming it up to help make a nice hot toddy is a good idea, here.

Friday 23 September 2011

Wolf Blass Sparking Rose wine for Christmas

Dazzle your guests this party season with Wolf Blass Yellow Label Pinot Noir Chardonnay Sparkling Brut and Yellow Label Sparkling Rosé. Priced at only £12.99, Wolf Blass Yellow Label allows you to bring glamour and sparkle to your party at an affordable price.
 
Impress all your guests by offering something for everyone with the masculine blend of Brut and the feminine notes of Rosé found in the Sparkling range.
 
The Wolf Blass Yellow Label Collection is available now from branches of Tesco, Sainsbury’s and The Co-operative priced at £12.99.

Upon tasting the wine, it became clear that this was no uninspired, insipid Rose! Far from it. It has a certain strength of character, although being of a dry disposition, it is not harsh, though does let your tastebuds know that it is there!

It is refreshing and ideal with or without foods. A drink to be enjoyed, we found.  Would make a suitable alternative to Champagne.
 

Sunday 28 August 2011

Wines for Christmas

There are wines available for every meal or occasion over the Christmas period, this is a carefully selected range for you!

Cono Sur Reserva Carmenere (Waitrose £8.99)
With red fruit notes, touches of black pepper, coffee and sweet oak notes this velvety wine is ideal for accompanying an after dinner cheese plate or rich meat dishes.

Cono Sur Viognier (Morrisons, Waitrose RRP £7.49)
Crammed with succulent notes of apricot, peach and citrus fruits combined with a hint of oak this fruity wine complements light vegetarian dishes or is an ideal party wine.

Cono Sur Sparkling Brut (Tesco.com £9.99)
With aromas of citrus fruits, white flowers, and a hint of honey, this affordable, sparkling wine is deliciously juicy, crisp and refreshing and is sure to please both friends and family at parties and Christmas morning breakfast.

Faustino V Blanco Sin Crianza 2009 (Ocado and thedrinkshop.com £8.99)
If you like fresh crisp whites (think zesty Sauvignon Blancs), then why not try an unoaked white Rioja this Christmas. Packed with refreshing grapefruit flavours and elegant floral notes, this is a great standalone party wine, but will also work well with a smoked salmon starter on Christmas day.

Marqués de Cáceres Antea Barrel-Fermented Blanco 2009 (Majestic £9.99)
Fans of buttery oak-aged Chardonnay will enjoy a traditional barrel-fermented white Rioja. Made from Rioja’s two key white grapes, Viura and Malvasia, this is a great food wine, its full flavours lending themselves well to an array of dishes, especially richer vegetable dishes, making this a great option to pair with a vegetarian main this Christmas.

Faustino Rivero Ulecia Rosado 2010 (Tesco.com £7.49)
Rioja is not just about red wines – its sunny climate is well-suited to the production of rosé wines. Fresh, juicy, and dry, this berry-scented all-rounder is the perfect pink party wine.

Gran Familia Rioja CVC (Tesco, Asda and Co-op £6,29)
This approachable modern Rioja is a real crowd-pleaser – smooth and fruity with just a hint of vanilla spice, serve with your Boxing Day leftovers, or on its own as a great red party wine. (EDITOR: It also goes very well with white meat,in our humble opinions!)

Viña Pomal Crianza 2007 (Majestic £9.99)
Crianza means ageing, and refers to the fact that this wine has spent two years ageing before release, with at least a year in oak, which gives the wine a hint of creamy vanilla, combining with juicy red berry fruit. This wine is well suited to an array of different foods so will work well with a Boxing Day buffet.

Barón de Ley Reserva 2006 (Co-op and Waitrose £10.99)
If you see the word “Reserva” on a bottle of Rioja, this means that the wine has been aged for at least three years at the winery, with one year spent in oak. Reserva wines are elegant and concentrated, with rich fruit flavours and subtle savoury and spicy hints. A big wine, which is the perfect counterpart to a rich winter feast.

Berberana Viña Alarde Gran Reserva 2003 (Majestic £10.99)
Gran Reserva Rioja wines rank among the finest in the world. Made only with the best grapes in the best years, and aged for at least five years, Gran Reserva wines are ideal for special occasions. With dense fruit and a silky texture, this is the ideal wine to serve with Christmas dinner.


Eisberg brings alchol free but tasty wines to the Christmas table

Fancy a ruby rich Cabernet Sauvignon, a fresh aromatic Riesling or a smooth Chardonnay but want to cut back on the alcoholic units? Or do you want to offer real wine to drivers who do not wish to run the risk of drinking and driving?

Then just switch your usual bottle of wine for Eisberg non alcoholic wine and experience the real taste of wine, without the alcohol and with only a third of the calories.

Eisberg alcohol free wine is made in exactly the same way as your favourite wines, but with one difference.  At the end of the process the alcohol is gently removed using one of the world’s most advanced processes, leaving all of the flavours of the wine, but none of the alcohol.

There are four varietals in the range: A refreshingly aromatic Riesling, a creamy crisp Chardonnay, a juicy succulent Rosé and a fruity red Cabernet Sauvignon.

Suitable as an accompaniment to any meal, or simply to sip with friends, Eisberg contains 0.05% alcohol and only 34 calories per 125 ml glass, making it a great alternative to calorie laden booze.

Eisberg’s alcohol free range of wine can help combat the cravings, so if you fancy the real taste sensation of your favourite wine, you don’t have to go without.

The full range is available at Morrissons, and selected wines are available at Tesco, Waitrose, Co-op, Booths and Bargain Booze, priced at RRP £3.20-£3.60.

(EDITOR: We enjoyed a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. It was delicious and went very well with white meat, so will be ideal for the Christmas table. My wife, something of a connoisseur of red wines declared it to be “8 out of 10 for taste.”)