CPJ’s merchandiser/sales assistant Jermaine Graham made his Mother’s Day selection – the two new wines from the Yellow Tail Brand: The light, perky fizzy Moscato and the bright and vibrant off-dry Rosé. (Photos: Chris Reckord)

The most important job in the world is parenting, and Mum is usually the boss in the parenting department at home. I wondered what gems I could find on the supermarket shelves to recommend for Mother’s Day. I popped into MegaMart this week to take a look at the shelves for about four red and four white wines that were delightful to taste, easy to drink and good value for money.

Mega Mart manager on duty was Robert Chung, who escorted me to the wine and spirits section. I learnt that while he no longer drinks, one of his favourites was the HobNob Merlot, so I felt that the suggestion made a great start to our list. HobNob Merlot 2010 from Languedoc-Roussillon, France, delivers good value for money, a smooth medium- body wine, very delightful.

Some of the very best red wine values are from Chile; we are suggesting either the 35 South Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The name is inspired by the geographic location of the vineyards from which the wines come – the 35th parallel. This is where San Pedro’s main vineyard and historic cellars are situated. In point of fact, this latitude divides their 1200-hectare single vineyard precisely in two equal halves.

I asked the merchandisers who were working on the floor at the time what white and rosé wines they would recommend. MegaMart’s Omar Davis suggested two off-dry (slightly sweet) wines that he said were crowd favourites: Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Moscato and the Vina Maipo Gran Vino Blanco. The 2010 Woodbridge Moscato displays perfumed aromas of jasmine blossom and lightly sweet flavours filled with hints of lemon sorbet. The wine’s style is slightly effervescent (called frizzante in Italy) and its lively acidity balances out the residual sugar, which makes it an ideal wine for many food pairings.

CPJ’s Jermaine Graham suggested two new wines from the world-famous Yellow Tail line, the Yellow Tail Rosé and the Yellow Tail Moscato. Moscato is in and Moscato is delicious. There is nothing like that light, perky fizz and natural raciness to make you feel good. Rosé wines from Australia are fast becoming renowned for their quality and natural fruit appeal. On the nose – rose petals, Turkish delight and sweet spice. On the palate – bright notes of rose with wild raspberry, vanillin hints and a juicy red berry core. Very pretty.

If the budget has been relaxed, then go for the Champagne; several choices grace these shelves; if no alcohol is in the plans, we found many that will suit your fancy.

A very happy Mother’s Day this Sunday, to the ladies with the most important job in the world!

Chris Reckord — Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast.

 

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Jamaica Observer
Christopher Reckord