weekly wine buys II
Cos Frapatto IGP, Vittoria , South-East Sicily, Italy
This little sexy Italian isn’t massively cheap, but wow, it does all the right things you want it to do. Light—extremely light—and bursting with juice and fresh acidity. Flavours of raspberry and red currant, all rounded out with subtle earthy notes . Think of mushroom and leather. Sicily’s answer to our beloved Pinot Noir. Less tannic, more ripe, but, definitely plays a similar role. No oak is involved in the vinification, only concrete tanks, which leaves you with all of that freshness. My friend picked out orange peel and herbal spices. It’s just such a lovely thing to have in the glass.
This wine is made with very low-intervention methods, featuring spontaneous whole-bunch fermentation, wild yeasts and organic farming. Yes, you’ll pay a little more, but for a relatively unknown grape, it’s the best example I’ve found. You can find this grape from other wineries knocking about in supermarkets from time to time at around half the price of this one. If you see one, grab it, as you’ll get to know the grape a little and can better appreciate this wine when you one day come to buy it.
I’d have this with fish, or a seafood and tomato pasta. Orzo with prawns would be as fine as anything. Simple pomodoro mixed in with the orzo, topped with pan-roasted prawns, skin and head on. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest.
Price: £22.50
Shop: Vinvm (Online)
Discount: None found. Sorry!
Fox and Fox, Tradition, Brut Blanc de Noirs, 2014, East Sussex, UK
This British beauty is not the kind of sparkling wine you stumble upon every day, and while it might not come with a bargain tag, it’s worth every penny. Hailing from the rolling hills of East Sussex, this Blanc de Noirs has all the finesse and complexity you’d expect from a top-tier English sparkling. Lean and focused, with a brilliant backbone of acidity that keeps you coming back for more. It’s why I keep banging on about English sparkling. Wines like these blow me away. Champagne of this quality is going to cost you triple, easy. With 10 years and 4 on the lees, its had all the help it needed to become something very special
On the nose, there’s a lovely interplay of red apple skin and fresh brioche, alongside hints of almonds and a whisper of something floral—perhaps elderflower. The palate is where this wine truly sings: crisp green apple and ripe pear dance alongside very subtle red fruit notes, think wild strawberries and cranberries, with a streak of minerality that’s straight chalky goodness. The extended time on the lees adds rich, yeasty, brioche notes that’s beautifully balanced by a zesty lemon-lime edge.
No oak interferes with the purity of the fruit here; this wine is all about elegance and precision. Fox & Fox uses minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to express their terroir fully. It’s a sparkling wine that proudly stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the best grower Champagnes around, but with that unmistakable English charm.
Yes, it’s a splurge, but for a wine that delivers this much depth and character, it’s a treat well worth indulging in. If you’re just dipping your toes into English sparkling, you might want to start with something a little less demanding, but once you’re ready to explore the heights of what this region can offer, this bottle will show you what all the noise is about.
Pair it with something equally refined—a dozen fresh oysters, or if you’re feeling indulgent, a butter-poached lobster tail with lemon and a sprinkling of sea salt. Simple, elegant, delicious.
Price:£38
Shop: Amathus
Discout: n/a
Porta 6 reserva, 2020, Lisbon, Portugal
This heavy Portuguese isn’t shy about making an impression, and while it won’t break the bank, it certainly delivers more than its price tag suggests. Porta 6 Reserva from Lisbon is the kind of wine that warms you from inside out. Rich and full-bodied, it’s bursting with ripe fruit flavours, yet manages to keep things fresh and lively.
On the nose, you’re hit with a blend of dark cherries, plums, and blackberries, mingled with hints of vanilla, baking spices, and just a touch of smoky oak. It’s like walking into a pub with the fire lit on a winters evening. The palate doesn’t disappoint either—lush black fruit dominates, with layers of chocolate, coffee, and a subtle earthiness that adds depth and complexity. Tannins are firm but well-integrated, giving the wine structure without being overpowering.
There’s a lovely balance here, with just enough acidity to keep everything in check, making this a wine that can easily pair with a variety of dishes. While the oak influence is present, it’s not overbearing, allowing the vibrant fruit to shine through.
Compared to its massively famous non-reserva counterpart, Porta 6, Porta 6 Reserva steps things up a notch in terms of depth and complexity. While the original Porta 6 is a charming, easy-drinking red with plenty of bright red fruit and a soft, approachable style, the Reserva version brings more intensity and structure to the table. The extra aging and oak influence gives the Reserva a richer, more layered profile, with darker fruit, more pronounced spice notes, and a firmer tannic grip. If you enjoy the original Porta 6 for its casual, everyday appeal, the Reserva offers a more sophisticated experience that's perfect for when you want something a bit more robust and full-bodied.
For a reserva, this wine offers incredible value. It’s the kind of bottle you’ll want to keep on hand for those evenings when you need something reliable but still a little special. If you’re new to Portuguese reds, Porta 6 Reserva is a fantastic starting point, offering a great introduction to the richness and diversity of wines from this region.
Pair it with something hearty—think grilled meats, a slow-cooked lamb stew, or a rich tomato-based pasta. A dish like pappardelle with wild boar ragu would be the perfect match, with the wine’s robust flavours complementing the savoury, meaty sauce beautifully. Simple, satisfying, and just the thing to warm you up from the inside out.
Price: £14.99
Shop:Majestic
Discount: £12.99 mix 6
BIG TIP: If you’re going to buy a few and don’t mind waiting a few days head to vinha.co.uk, a Portuguese wine specialist who ship directly from Portugal. They charge €7.49 (£6.31 at todays rate) per bottle and they are currently doing free shipping over €50. You can stock up on these from here for a really really good price.
Left to right, Cos Frapatto, Porta 6 Reserva and Fox and Fox Tradition.