Overlooking Piccadilly, South Australia

 Welcome to my wine and food blog – a page that goes beyond the tasting note and a bottle shot.  This is where food, wine and people meet.  Wine is at its best when encountered when all the elements of good living come together.  Vin Ordinaire can taste brilliant when the mood and food are good. On this page I shall endeavour to add a little extra colour to my favourite bottles.

Salubritas

Mark

Current Favourites

Domaine Muret Syrah 2011, Vin de Pays d’Oc £7.95
The discovery that has proved a special gem.  Resonating with black pepper, damson and dark berries this humble little Syrah from the Pays d’Oc has caused us all a bit of a stir.  Youthful, actin packed Syrah.  Probably the best introduction to the grape I have encountered.

Patrick Piuze ‘Terroir Découverte’ 2011 (Chablis, France) £16.95
Quebec born Patrick has developed a gift of bringing the disillusioned back to the unique collection of vineyards around the little town of Chablis where mediocrity has so often been the predominant tune. Taut and precise with a rich, mineral infused core and hints of ripe pears. Patrick has become one of our ‘in-house’ heroes.

Château Fourcas-Dupré 2004 (Listrac, Haut-Médoc)    £19.95
Whenever I sniff and meditate over this wine I am transported to the high vineyards of Listrac that overlook the Gironde estuary – and I am walking through the gravel and clay vineyards with Patrice Pagès.  The cool April air is somehow contained within the aromas of this savoury Médoc alongside the ripe cassis flavours and cedar box nuances.  This is such the ideal Sunday lunch claret – I love it.

Camille Saves Cuvee Carte Blanche (Bouzy, Champagne)   £25
Combines a rich brioche core with an apple orchard acidity – this is mouthwatering Champagne from the pretty village of Bouzy, just to the east of Épernay.  Makes me smile and think of the very polite and well dressed Hervé Saves one of the kindest and most hospitable wine growers that I know.

Gran Cardiel Verdejo Viura 2011 (Rueda, Spain)        £7.95
This is really one of my favourite sub £10 wonders – an intelligent blend that combines the fragrant zestiness of the Verdejo with the richer textured Viura – giving an already lively wine both weight and texture.  Location-wise we are about 180 km north of Madrid on the high arid plains of Rueda near the  city of Valladolid.  Bright packaging, red screwcap, great wine!

Domaine Ludovic Chanson Montlouis Les Pecheurs 2010 (Loire Valley, France) £17.95
Ludovic is a former research scientist who has turned his hand just in the last 4 years to these ancient Chenin vines south of the Loire River. With a hint of grape sugar on the palate this has become my favourite wine for warm poached salmon, served with new potatoes and salad. You must please try it – especially since Les Pecheurs translates as The Fishermen.