Real Wine Deals for May

It is quite possible that consumers these days are becoming more and more bewildered by the range of wine offers available these days - we are becoming more and more driven by promotions as the multiples race to find who can sell the cheapest wine at the biggest discount, with scant regard to quality. They are all completely giving the two fingers to the government in terms of self-regulating the promotion of alcohol; all advertisements, newspaper pullouts etc are led by screaming ads for wine, beer and spirits. 

We like to do things differently here at On the Grapevine, and, while we are offering deals and good value for money - we are not offering wines that are no good and we don't do bogus half-price offers. The deals are simple - take proper wine that is already a proven success at its full retail price and discount it by about 20-25% for a month, after which it returns to its normal price. The wines are good, the savings are real, smoke and mirrors are left unused.

With this in mind - here are the deals for May:

Chateau Miaudoux Bergerac Sec 2010 - Was €12, now €10

The label is the subject of some debate the at OTG HQ, but there is no disagreement on the wine. Mainly Sauvignon Blanc, with some Semillon and a dash of Muscadelle, this is fresh, crisp and fruity, bone dry with nice body and texture. Organic and delicious and, if you don't like the label, turn the bottle around.

St. Michael Eppan Pinot Grigio 2010 - Was €17.50, now €14

If you want real wine, it doesn't get much more authentic than this delicious pure, fresh Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige heading up toward the Alps in Northern Italy. Aromatic, crisp, dry with a long, mineral finish, this is miles away from your average Pinot Grigio (a grape which is being sadly undermined by the multitude of dodgy industrial swill being sold thus labelled). A very nice drink at the normal price - a total BARGAIN at this price.

Pasqua Passimento was €17, now €13

A rich spicy red from the Veneto, this is made by part-drying the grapes to increase concentration and intensity and results in a Ripasso-style wine that is smooth and delicious. Back by popular demand!

Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva was €12, now €9.50

This wine got a 4-star rating by Decanter magazine, and it is a very decent wine indeed. Full-bodied and fruity, smooth and rich. Great value.