Favourite Wines Everyone Should Try

I’m writing another ‘foodie’ blog today, this time I want to share with you my two favourite types of wine, and a recipe for a wine cocktail…

Rioja Red Wine

Rioja is a red wine, named after La Rioja, in Spain and my absolute favourite red wine at that. Having said that, Rioja isn’t just made from grapes grown in La Rioja, grapes from Navarre and the Basque province of Álava are used too. For the real ‘wine buffs’ reading this, grapes for Rioja are also divided into three areas of growth: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja.

The younger Riojas Wines are soft and fruity while older types such as Crianzas, Reservas and Gran Reservas have increasing levels of alcohol concentration and a beautiful light ‘oakey’ taste. I’ll definitely get some disapproving comments for saying this but I love my Rioja chilled at 3-4 degrees (especially on a hot summer’s day). If you haven’t tried chilled Rioja already, I highly recommend it!

Prosecco

Prosecco is an Italian sparkling white wine which is usually Dry or Extra Dry (just how I like it!) The wine itself is made from Glera (Prosecco) grapes which are grown in the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia in Italy. In recent years, perhaps owing to the world-wide economic recession, Prosecco has become an excellent substitute for Champagne and is quite frankly a lot more tasty in my opinion! Oh, and if you like cocktails try the following Prosecco cocktail recipe:

Bellini Cocktail

Ingredients:

• The Flesh of Two Ripe Peaches (fresh or tinned)
• Bottle of Chilled Prosecco
• 2 Chilled Champagne Glasses

Preparation:

Put your peaches in a small blender ensuring the skin and stones have been removed. Purée the peaches until they are completely smooth. You can even do in advance before serving and keep chilled in the fridge. Spoon half of the purée into the chilled champagne glass and gradually top up with Prosecco, stirring as you pour. Make sure you have one third peach purée to two thirds Prosecco. Serve immediately away as a pre-dinner drink. They are to die for!

So there you have it, my two favourite wines in the whole world. What are your favourite wine types and do you have any cocktail recipes to share?