When a Cheap Wine is Forever Memorable...Sundowners on the Grand Canal

After a long day of getting lost in Venice, it was time to stroll across the Rialto Bridge, hand in hand and enjoy the sun set on the glistening lagoon...

Earlier that morning, the sun was blazing as we were flying away from the madness towards Burano. As the tiny island came into view and the multicoloured fisherman's houses (enabling fishermen to find their way home on the darkest days) emerged we were enticed to dive further into the technicolored wonderland. After strolling the streets and having a leisurely lunch, a large bowl of Burano style seafood pasta (made from lagoon caught produce) we were ready to embark on the Vaporetto ride back towards the floating city.

The sensation of a holiday evening is indescribable but well known and adored. The tired reflection of the day gone and excitement of the evening ahead matched with the feeling of the evening glow on your face and the smell of coconut moisturiser from your pampering ritual before dinner creates a overall clam haze. As the last of the sun grazes your face, you can appreciate the day just past.

Walking through the crowds at the Rialto Bridge, we were keen to find a secluded spot to enjoy some wine and appreciate the falling evening away from the tourists and crowds. Wandering off the beaten track, we found a bar further down the canal, with views to the left of the famous bridge and to the right down the canal and into the sunset. With only two outdoor tables, we squeezed into a padded bench covered by vines and watched the sunset along with the passing crowds, floating gondolas and the soft sound of lapping water more than content with ourselves.

This is a perfect example of a setting influencing the review you would give a bottle. As we sat taking in the venetian sunset, we sipped a 'Giovanni Bellia, Manzoni Bianco.' This white from Italys Veneto region hit the spot, paired with extra salty crisps, a sublime balance was created between the acidity of the wine and salt from the snack. The Veneto region is the largest wine producing area in Italy and home to some of the best known varieties. Extending from southern Lake Garda to western Venice the terrain ranges from the bumpy foothills of the Alps to the flat plains surrounding the Po. The proximity to the Alps allows for cool climatic influences to breeze through the vineyards surrounding Lake Garda. In comparison, the area surrounding the Po experiences moist air, increasing the risk of grape rot. The flat plains offer the perfect fertile soil to create inexpensive and mass produced wine. Varieties include Pinot Grigio, Merlot and Chardonnay along with indigenous varieties such as Terbbiano and Corvina. Wines from this area are usually simplistic, light and fruity.

The light gold coloured wine we drank on the banks of the Grand Canal was exactly that. With a 3.2 rating on Vivino (my favourite wine app) it is evident that it was nothing extraordinary. With light notes of lemon, lime and other soft citrus this wine was very mild on the palate. Scoring 2/5 on the light to bold scale, 2/5 on the dry to sweet scale and 3.5/5 on the soft to acidic scale. Described by some as a 'forgettable wine' it will forever be an unforgettable moment. I will always be able to recall watching the pink sky reflecting on the turquoise canal, hearing the distant singing of a gondolier serenading his customers whilst enjoying my light wine, salty crisps and great company.

-Antonia

What Rosé to Choose for The Perfect Sunday Afternoon in May

The sun is shining, you can hear a distant humming of lawnmowers and can smell the factor 50. A loved one asks if you wish a glass of pale rosé...

The rare occasion that the sun is shining in Scotland results in people flocking to the shops to buy a BBQ, a paddling pool and a bottle of wine. What wine you choose depends on preference, price and product. What wines do you like? What is available at your local Aldi or Waitrose? What influences these decisions?

If you look on Instagram on any given sunny day how many post showcasing a pale pink glass of 'Whispering Angel' Rosé will you see? Whether its the angels or marketing team whispering, this bottle is a staple on any Instagram 'bloggers' account. This is not a negative thing, being the 'it' bottle among millennials allows for many to enjoy a classic pale Côte de Provence Rosé by confidently marching up the wine isle, not being intimidated by whether or not they are making the right purchase. However, if not seamlessly introduced to the U.S market by adding onto wine lists at hot spots such as the Beverly Hills hotel or Soho House, and if not Khloe Kardashian or Lorna Luxe's favourite wine, would it have the same hype?

If not seamlessly introduced to the U.S market by adding onto wine lists at hot spots such as the Beverly Hills hotel or Soho House, and if not Khloe Kardashian or Lorna Luxe's favourite wine, would it have the same hype?

Photo Creds: Decanter.com

Whispering Angel dominated the U.S market after Château d'Esclans's 2007 overseas introductory campaign was showcased among high society in the Hamptons, creating the persona of prestige and exclusivity.

Having a 4.1 star rating on Vivino (my favourite wine app) and averaging at £18.99 a bottle, choosing to be on trend can result in a hole in your wallet! Whether this is due to quality, image or the current demand is for you to decide... Although a great wine, if you wish to still enjoy a pale rosé on a sunny day why not peruse the isle slightly longer and see what gems you can find?

On this day in May, I debated the rosé section of my local Waitrose. As expected I was surrounded by many reaching for their Whispering Angel. The difficulty in choosing a 'Old World Wine' (primarily wine made in Europe) is that the grape variety is not usually shown on the bottle. Rosé wine is predominatly made using red grapes, so if you don't like Syrah/ Shiraz or Grenache/ Granacha why would you choose a rosé made from these grapes? An understanding of what you do and don't like can only be determined by lots of tastings, each winemaker makes diffrently... so get drinking!

After debating the bottles, I settled on purchasing a £10.75 'Maison Castel' Côte de Provence Rosé. Although made from different grapes, the characteristics mirror those in a glass of Whispering Angel. Both are a 2.5 out of 5 on the light-bold scale, both are a 1.5 on the dry-sweet scale and both are a 4 on the soft-acidic scale. Redfruit characteristics including strawberry, raspberry and cherries are noted on both however Whispering Angel also has hints of watermelon on the nose. Underlying notes of peach, melon and soft citrus including pink grapefruit have been picked up on each. Try both and please let me know what you think!

Personally, after sloshing into a cool glass and enjoying whilst sunbathing and having a light lunch with my family, it was the perfect wine for a perfect Sunday afternoon in May.

-Antonia