La Font, Reserva 2011, Valencia, Spain
Is there still a European wine lake? I don't know the answer, but the famous lake of unwanted wine that was much talked about in the 1990s is probably no more, the over-production of wine back then has been rectified with many unglamorous areas of vineyard having been uprooted thanks to government subsidies to rebalance the wine industry.
Spain certainly remains a great source of vast quantities of inexpensive wine that regularly deliver good bangs per buck. On its current special offer price this little Rioja-lookalike from Valencia offers pretty spectacular value. Aged in American and French oak for 12 months, it is creamy and open, coffeeish stuff with sweet berries and spices on the palate. Velvety tannins and the rich fruit give a quite luxurious feel in a wine that delivers so much enjoyment for a very modest cost. Watch the video for my full review, including much more detail and food matching suggestions.
The regular price is £7.49 in Majestic, but it is on offer at £4.99 until 28th September 2015, then £5.62 until 26th October 2015.
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