WHEN you see the word "organic" on a wine bottle what does it actually mean and do they taste any better for it? Organic wine is made from grapes that have not been treated with herbicides or pesticides. So you won't read "contains sulphites" on the label. Do they taste better for it? Well here are some organic offerings so you can judge for yourself.
Cono Sur Cabernet Carmenere 2007 (Tesco, £6.99). Made by leading Chilean winery, Cono Sur, this red shows clean, crisp notes of cherry, raspberry, strawberry and plums with traces of tobacco and vanilla, resulting from its ageing in French Oak barre
ls. Perfect with hearty meat dishes.
Arrogant Frog Ribet Red 2006 (Tesco, £6.99). Winner of the Best Organic Wine at the 2007 Tesco Drinks Awards, this red has an elegant yet complex nose with blackberries, blueberries, red pepper and spice leading to a well balanced palate with seductively smooth tannins and a long finish.
Bellicia Trebbiano D'Abruzzo 2007 (Tesco, £5.49). This Italian wine has hints of peach and zesty lemon flavours on the palate and a refreshing finish. It is especially good with plain white fish dishes, chicken, bruschettas, salads and grilled vegetables.
If you want to try more wines, don't forget that the Tesco Wine Club Fair comes to Edinburgh on September 20-21. For more information go to
www.tescowinefair.comBargain of the WeekBellane Organic Cotes du Rhone Villages 2006 (Tesco, £6.99 down to £5.69 until September 9). Made from a blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes, this is a wonderfully rich, spicy, full-bodied red wine with delightful aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon and wild herbs.
Bottle of the WeekBonterra Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Tesco, £7.19). This cool, crisp white wine, made from organically grown grapes, is a pure fruit explosion – with flavours of pineapple, citrus, pear and green apple. Enjoy it with seafood and poultry dishes.
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