WINE
All saints
With Holy Week approaching, our expert raises a glass to five patron saints of wine
by JOE FATTORINI
When you’re only ever a flood, frost or hailstorm away from disaster, it’s no surprise that winemakers have a tendency to religiosity. When it goes wrong it can feel biblical. And when it all goes right… it feels like the Lord is shining on you. So, no surprise then, that there are five principal patron saints of wine.
Viñas del Vero ‘La Miranda de Secastilla’ Garnacha Blanca 2021 (13.5%, £14.99 or £12.99 if you buy six, majestic.co.uk) comes from Somontano, home of St Vincent of Saragossa, the most famous wine saint. Not that St Vincent ever made anything like this fresh, citrussy white with a refreshing wet-stone feel. Vincent’s link to wine was (reputedly) his donkey, who chewed at some vine shoots while the two of them rested by the road and accidentally discovered the benefits of pruning. Vincent’s name helped though. For the French – where he is revered – it’s a combination of vin (wine) and sang (blood). For a particularly good blood-red wine from St Vincent’s home, try Pizo Cariñena 2023 (14%, £10.99, vintagebysaga.co.uk). It’s a ripe, brambly wine with rich, juicy fruit and a supple character.