New Taste

New reds from Quinta Do Noval, a modern Riesling brand and a stonker of a Guyanan rum are among the latest drinks releases.

Port house Quinta Do Noval is releasing the latest vintages of its still red wines through Gonzalez Byass UK.

There are only a few hundred cases of Cedro Do Noval 2007 (rrp: £13.99) and Quinta Do Noval 2007 (rrp: £29.99) but yields are increasing under Christian Seely, owner of the Axa Millésimes who is convinced Douro reds can rival the best Bordeaux.

The Cedro has a lovely fresh fruit character, violet, spice and liquorice notes and is a pretty wine that's suited for immediate drinking. The Quinta is deeper in structure, with earthy, bramble notes and a herbal, savoury edge - the tannin and fresh acidity means it should hopefully go on evolving for another decade at least. www.gonzalezbyass.com

A new German Riesling brand aims to switch on a modern audience to the joys of the variety.

Three Vintners is a result of a collaboration between three young winemakers from the Rheinhessen, who have produced a dry, fruit-forward and well-balanced Riesling. It won praise from German specialists at a tasting organised by Harpers, who said although it lacked great complexity it plugged a real need in the market for a quaffable and affordable Riesling.

With an rrp of £9.99, it's on promotion at £5.99 over Christmas and is available from The Wine Barn. www.thewinebarn.co.uk

Mont Tauch is launching a very drinkable Muscat de Rivesaltes. With a nose of Turkish Delight, preserved pineapple and honey, it's light and refreshing in the mouth with a floral character and enough acidity to balance the sugar.

It's not hugely complicated but served nicely chilled it would make a great food wine or aperitif. Stocked by Thierry's, the rrp is £6.29. www.thierrys.co.uk

Blossom Hill is going pink for Christmas with a limited edition White Zinfandel which will be on sale for six weeks from November 16. The bottle has a frosted label design and is available from Percy Fox with an rrp of £5-£6. www.percyfox.co.uk

From Inspirit Brands is an absolute stonker of a Guyanan rum - El Dorado 8 Year Old.

Produced from local sugar cane and aged in small oak casks before blending, the rum is a premium step up the ladder from the El Dorado 5 Year Old.

Lively aromas of treacle, burnt sugar and orange marmalade lead to a gorgeous, velvety and intense mouthfeel of caramel, ginger, spice and orange peel. A long finish.
The rrp is £19.99. www.inspiritbrands.com

World Wine Agencies is importing two new wines from the successful Von Buhl German estate. Von Buhl Riesling Trocken Qba 2008 (£10-£10.95) has a lovely lemon sherbet and grapefruit nose, and is light and zesty in the mouth with a slightly bitter finish.

The Von Buhl Forster Ungeheur Auslese 2007 (£18) is intensely mineral with great varietal character and a spicey finish. www.worldwineagencies.com

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