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WINE OF THE WEEK: Zalze Shiraz Mourvèdre Viognier 2016, Western Cape, South Africa


£6 on offer, Morrisons and Asda


Zalze SMV

A richly fruity, spicy red that's a good buy even when not on offer but is a bargain at the offer prices (scroll to the bottom for more offers and stockists). It's a wine that really shows off the virtues of blending. The Shiraz at its heart drenches it in aromas and flavours of sun-warmed blackberries, ripe red fruits and spice, Mourvèdre (15%) adds complexity with darker, more savoury flavours of Mediterranean herbs, spice, wet earth, roast game and dark chocolate, and Viognier, a mere 3%, lifts the perfume. The Shiraz and Viognier were aged in French oak before blending, but the oak wasn't new, so the effect is smoothness and roundness and just a whisper of nuttiness and coffee. In fact the tannins are so smooth, you can serve this lightly chilled. You might well want to if you're standing over a hot barbecue or serving it with a curry (yes, with curry – vegetarian, poultry or meat). Among many other possibilities are chorizo and other spicy sausages, pork belly, steak, chilli con carne or vegetarian chilli, vegetable kebabs or pizza.

Zalze Shiraz Mourvèdre Viognier 2016, Western Cape, South Africa

£6, Morrisons (down from £7.25 until 4 September); £6, Asda; £8.79, Waitrose, but £6.49 from 5 September–2 October; £8.79, Ocado

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