To counter the opulence of certain members here ( I will not name names of those that quaff Meshach
), I will share another evening tipple - a cheapie that I aquired:
Tread Softly grenache, 2019.
I was given it by work a few months ago - at Dans they like to get staff to try things, and sometimes do this sort of thing. (Today I held a 2015 Hill of Grace in my hands, but to sell
)
Anyway, I needed a day off shiraz or cabernet, felt like something young and fresh, so thought grenache. And discovered to my dismay that I am totally out of said varietal, except for this lingering item.
Tread Softly is well received by a certain bracket of customers. Those that are not real wine aficionados, but want something that is somewhat "good for the environment" and associated themes (eco-friendly, etc) And the labelling is perfectly designed to reel in those customers - the front is a rather drab, minimalist thing. Subliminally suggests restraint and humble thrift. And tiny words. To such an extent that it really stands out in a crowded shelf amongst the complex and sometimes gaudy competition. The rear label though, goes the other way - it is covered with flowers and a collection of slogans that draw in further: "sustainably grown", "minimal preservatives", "delicate aromas", "naturally lighter in alcohol". All absolutely perfect to those who gain as much satisfaction about feeling good about themselves and their choices as they do in actually drinking the fluid.
Fairly lightweight burgundy-style bottle, of humble punt. Actually a true eco-friendly thing, but this would be lost on the buyers... They would probably be gaining more satisfaction from the claim on the rear label that "To tread softly we plant a native tree every time we sell twelve bottles". They truly have the art of pulling at heart strings maxxed out. I salute their commercial prowess.
Poured into my new tasting glass ( have gone back to small tasting glasses as am sick of delicately cleaning my maxi new ones) it looked, in a word, great. Fresh and bright, clear, a young medium ruby. On the nose, reflecting the sight, fresh and soft, red fruits.
On the palate, sweet light red berries, medium body, long finish of lingering sweet fruit. Low tannin..
Overall, quite a tasty, fresh, light, almost cordial-like wine. Sweet, but in a soft pleasant fashion. Absolutely nothing spectacular about it. But I feel that matched with a certain setting and/or food, would be a value tipple. I just cannot, despite pondering this over the last hour, think of such a setting for me.
Perhaps it would be perfect for sharing with vegetarian friends over a plate of hummus whilst trying to outdo each other with your exploits in saving the planet....