Why not try these ten compelling vegan wines?
Well, I promised some compelling vegan wines after my recent article called Vegan wines are not just for vegans. Consequently, and without further ado, here are ten vegan wines to explore. From a range of UK stockists, all are superb examples.
White
Fasoli Gino, Pieve Vecchia 2014, DOC Soave, Veneto, Italy
A stylish, more unusual Soave style, as oak maturation brings additional toasty and nutty notes. Creamy and luxurious, and deeply coloured. 100% Garganega grape. Biodynamic, all the Fasoli Gino wines are exceptional, including a stunning Amarone. You can read more here about their story. Vintage Roots £15.99
Domaine de Forges, Moulin de Gué 2014, AOP Savennières, Loire, France
For me, the Loire is where the Chenin Blanc grape reaches its zenith. From the small enclave of Savennières in Anjou, dry Chenin can age for decades. This example is riper and fruitier than many rivals, without the youthful austerity of some more celebrated estates. Completely dry and with the typical smell of damp straw, welcome tangerine and honey notes indicate some botrytis complexity. Full bodied with zingy acidity and mineral notes. Irresistible at this price. Well done to the Coop for stocking this! The Coop £10.49 (in selected stores – check the website for nearest stockist).
Domaine JosMeyer, Mise du Printemps 2016, Pinot Blanc, AOP Alsace, France
Sitting at the top table of Alsace winegrowers, JosMeyer is all about soaring aromas, freshness, balance, elegance and subtlety. It’s usually 20% Pinot Blanc and 80% of the closely related Auxerrois. Pale, fresh white blossom. Bone dry, with a streak of minerality, excellent length and balance. If left a couple of years some additional spice notes appear. Biodynamic, naturally. The Wine Society £12.95
Red
Querciabella, DOCG Chianti Classico 2013, Tuscany, Italy
Committed vegan Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni owns Querciabella in Tuscany. Their Biodynamic regime even uses specially made ceramic horns. The Chianti Classico is one of the best examples available. This older vintage also has some attractive bottle age. 100% singing Sangiovese. Read more about Querciabella and their fabulous wines here. Hic! Wines, £20.00
Domaine Sébastien David, L’Herluberlu 2016, AOP Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil, Loire, France
Cabernet Franc from the Loire is a joy. The small Saint-Nicholas de Bourgueil appellation tends to have lighter, early-maturing examples like this. L’Herluberlu means “The eccentric”, perhaps a reference to its “natural” winemaker. Deep purple, exuberant red berry fruit, soft rounded body and the classic aroma of pencil shavings. Just a hint of funk adds extra sensory interest. Biodynamic. Buon Vino, £15.99
Emiliana Organico, Coyam 2013, Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley, Chile
Coyam is one of Chile’s best wines. While the blend changes a little each year, it’s usually Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Merlot, Malbec and Mourvèdre. Inky-purple in colour, blackcurrant and herb scents. Luscious, velvety texture. Berry fruits, plum and a touch of orange peel. Then spice and pepper before mocha and dark chocolate round it off. Ages well and ticks all my environmental boxes too, being Biodynamic and carbon-neutral. Vintage Roots, £18.50
Bodegas Aranleon, Soló Tinto 2016, DO Utiel-Requena 2016, Spain
I never tire of recommending this wine! in 2016 it’s a blend of 80% Bobal and 20% Syrah. Rich and fleshy, red berry and damson fruit. Hints of lavender on the nose and a savoury finish. A refined and delicious organic wine from near València. One of my AWEsome wines 2018. Read more about Utiel-Requena and Aranleon here. The Wine Society, £8.95
Bodega Colomé, Estate Malbec 2014, Salta, Argentina
Argentina is rightly famous for the quality of its signature Malbec, and this is a firm favourite. Bodega Colomé is the highest commercial wine estate in the world. The vines are 3,000 metres up in the Andes. Blackish colour, fresh acidity and silky-smooth tannins. 100% Malbec, the nose is a mixture of black fruits, with a floral note. The palate shows finesse, density and power, with bold black fruit. Dark chocolate, black pepper and coffee at the end. If you like this, then try their single vineyard wines. Waitrose, £17.49
Rosé
Château Massaya, Rosé 2016, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Featured in my recent Rosé wine article, This is a glass full of strawberries and cream, made from Syrah and Cinsault. Delicate and floral, strawberry and peach flavours and a super-fresh finish. Tanners, £14.95. Read more about Rosé wines here.
Mirabeau Rosé, AOP Côtes de Provence 2016, France
Bone dry award-winning rosé, fast becoming a Provençal classic. Made from 60% Grenache, 35% Cinsault and 5% Syrah. Very stylish pink with quaffable raspberry and strawberry fruit. Real wine, not soda-pop. Here’s all the gen about Mirabeau. Waitrose, £9.99
All these ten compelling vegan wines prove that vegan wines are not just for vegans. Treat yourself!
Compelling Vegan Wines