Would you buy Wines Online?
Fellow wine blogger Andrew Jefford (wow, there it is, an award-winning writer and me in the same sentence) opined recently for Decanter Wine Magazine on all aspects of buying wine online. Apparently, Lot 18, a big US discount online wine chain is about to hit the UK this month. Then only yesterday I was asked by someone locally why one would want to buy wines online (why not?).
Andrew (now that we are on first name terms) quite rightly points out that the internet was assumed by many to be the “wine-trade revolution” and it never happened. It was to offer an option to standing perplexed in your local off-licence, or more likely a supermarket, with a vast array of bottles in front of you, including the very misleading buy one get one free (bogof) offers. You can now be perplexed in front of your computer screen – did it make it any easier? – no is more than likely the answer. There are unfortunately many failed businesses as a result.
Ultimately the majority of us would like some advice and reassurance before making such an important purchase, and we don’t want to be ripped off either. It should be no surprise that the most successful online retailers in the UK are Berry Brothers & Rudd and Laithwaites; both have been established for many years and have only recently added online wine sales to their portfolio. Why are they so popular? Well they offer good advice on wines, grape varieties, good/bad vintages etc, they are established (in BBR’s case since 1698); so more importantly you can trust them. (I don’t think they give you Nigella recipes to pair with your wine but that is a minor point).
Now, hands up, I have spent many valuable hours of late perfecting my own website, which, amongst other things does promote online wine sales, with next day delivery to your door. I aim to help you make your choices so much easier, educate you a little, offer food and wine matching (Nigella recipes amongst others) I hope I have established a good name for myself here in KL and there isn’t a bogof on the site!! www. vinfemme.com - give it a try!
Joanne
Recipe of the Month -
Anglo-Asian Lamb Salad
Well it is Easter after all - I thought this recipe from Nigella (of course) just hit the mark. You will see that it is incredibly versatile and wine-friendly too.
Full Recipe here
All that Jazz
Our harmonious trio from Marlborough, New Zealand - a class act - a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a Sauvignon Blanc. These are the entry-level wines from the Terravin winemaker Mike Eaton. They are on offer as a mixed case of 6 at RM440 including free next day delivery - please take a look at the full tasting notes reviewed by my wine club.
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Wines of the Month
The Woodstock is back!
The classic Australian Shiraz/Cabernet 2010 blend. This wine from McLaren Vale offers incredible value for money at RM62. It is just back in stock but I don't have to tell those of you who have enjoyed this in the past that it will not be around for long....
Full tasting notes or purchase now
It goes remarkably well with our recipe of the month!
Auntsfield Chardonnay
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gives this remarkable Chardonnay, 2009, from Marlborough's very first vineyard 91 points (that is very good!). Very much undervalued at RM66, coincidentally it is on sale on a website of a "US discount online wine chain recently to hit the UK " for the equivalent of RM70!!! It is deliciously elegant, do please take a look at my
full tasting notes & review.
It is very food-friendly and would easily compliment roast poultry dishes as well as chicken, seafood or fish recipes that have a creamy sauce. If you need an excuse that is.........................
Food & Wine-Matching Tool
Want to know which wine to serve with your favourite recipe? Then take a look at this fabulous new widget on my website. www.vinfemme.com. It is available on all pages; supplied by my fellow wine wallower, the very much admired Natalie Maclean.
(Sorry does not display on ipads).
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