Mike and a few eager beavers have got stuck into some Amarones for “A” and left their scores…. I must admit that I haven’t got round to it yet but will be heading for M&S in the next day or so to right that wrong and leave my reviw:

http://pleasebringmemywine.com/2015/01/19/nwtw-52-what-we-thought-of-amarone-week/

In the meantime, it’s your chance to select the second topic of the #newwinethisweek alphabet by voting for your favourite choice for the letter “B”. There are a few options for you to choose from, here’s an overview of the contenders:

“B” is for….

I shouldn’t try and influence the vote… but I’ve never been one to listen so I’ll start with the options I think you should not vote for, with meticulously argued reasons why:

Bonarda

Not a common name on the UK shelves but, believe it or not, Bonarda is the second most planted grape variety in Argentina. I love trying new stuff but worried we’re going to have an issue getting hold of this one.

Burgundy or Bordeaux

I love wines from both of these amazing regions… but the areas are far too large, with too man sub-regions to cover off in a single topic! Let’s wait for “M” for Medoc or “P” for Pomerol to discover Bordeaux, or how about “G” for Gevrey-Chambertin or “V” for Volnay (please let “V” be Volnay!!) to discover Burgundy

Barolo or Barbera

We’ve done Italy for “A”, we did Barbera in week 4 2014, and do you really want to spend £30 in January to get anything decent from Barolo?

 

Now for the real contenders (in alphabetical order, I will influence no more!):

Bandol

One of the most underappreciated region in France; located in Provence, producing mostly red wines using Mouvedre as the base grape(there are whites and rosés too), Bandol is a great warming choice for January

 Barossa

The home of Shiraz but there is so much more to the Barossa. The valley is also home to some word class Riesling, Semillon, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and some fabulous fortified wines.

Blanc de Blancs

Fizz was very popular in #newwinethisweek last year; how about trying fizz made from white grapes only? Blanc d Blancs is my preferred style of Champagne (BdB is also made in most fizz producing regions) and if you thought you didn’t like Chardonnay, this selection may well change your mind.

Brouilly

The largest of ten “Crus” in the Beaujolais region, Brouilly shows the Gamay grape at its freshest and most vibrant.

 

So there you go. Have a think and then click on the link below and make your selection… what will represent “B” in the 2015 #newinethisweek wine alphabet? You have until Sunday 25^th January to make your choice:

http://pleasebringmemywine.com/2015/01/20/nwtw-53-time-to-vote-on-what-you-want-for-b/