In this edition of Chef Tony’s Wine Club, our resident chef, gastronome and purveyor of fine wines casts his expert eye over two bottles to quench your Summer thirst.
Chef Tony says: Outstanding wines can be found in supermarkets, online and in independent wine merchants.
Corte Ibla Nero d’avola Terre Siciliane 2014, Marks & Spencer, £12.50
Nero d’avola is Sicily’s signature grape and one that should be sought out. This 100 per cent Nero d’avola from Marks & Sparks produces a powerful red with flavours of blackcurrant and plum with a hint of liquorice, soft tannins, and a wonderfully long finish – all of which makes it an excellent wine to pair with roast meats, or food with strong flavours like game.
Kim Crawford, Spitfire, Sauvignon Blanc 2015, D. Byrne & Co in Clitheroe, £13.99
Marlborough in New Zealand produces some exceptional Sauvignon Blancs and this one is no exception – tropical fruit, peach, passion fruit and a lingering finish balance this wine perfectly. The wine comes from meticulously selected grapes from a single vineyard, 
100 per cent Sauvignon Blanc, producing a wine that’s rich and powerful. Excellent on its own or with Asian style dishes, lamb with salsa verde or herby fish dishes.
Chef Tony’s verdict: Quality is all around, find what you enjoy, choose where to buy, don’t be afraid to try new things. Also a little tip: make sure your glass is clean and rinsed well. When tasting a wine earlier today, my glass wasn’t and the first glass was tainted by washing up liquid. Ah well, we all make mistakes.
Main image by Chris Payne
Chef Tony is a gastronome with 17 years of experience cooking across the North West. Chef Tony has worked in some of the region’s best kitchens, including the award-winning Nutters in Rochdale and The Lowry at Salford Quays.
