Wines for autumn

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

Enjoying a glass of good wine with dinner is one of life’s pleasures for many of us. We are now being urged to cut down and have a couple of days a week totally free of alcohol. A great way of drinking less is to drink better quality and really savour every mouthful. 

So why not treat yourself to something special this weekend? 

Here are a couple of delightful numbers from lesser known regions in Spain as well as a great rioja, all perfect for the chillier nights of autumn.

Louro do Bolo, Bodegas Rafael Palacios, 2017 Valdeorras, ABV 14%, £19.95, Berry Bros. & Rudd (bbr.com)

A textured crisp, vibrant white that is bursting with fruity flavours. Made from godello, a grape grown in Northern Spain, which produces textural rich styles of wine, this is complex and delicious. There is a touch of saltiness which seems to intensify the aromas. From your first sip you can understand why Rafa is considered to be one of Spain’s best makers of white wines.

Cune Reserva 2014, ABV 13.5%, £13.99, Majestic Wine
From Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España, a highly-regarded bodega, run by the fifth generation of the founders, comes this mouth-watering rioja. A plummy, spicy wine that has a superb velvety texture with a slight, crunchy freshness. It has a sumptuous finish that lingers long on the palette. A charming beauty with plenty of personality.

El Terroir, Domaines Lupier, 2013, San Martín de Unx, Navarra, ABV 14.5%, £22.95, Berry Bros. & Rudd (bbr.com)

This gorgeous ruby-coloured wine, a pure garnacha, is just the thing for a chilly autumn night. Full of mesmerising aromas of cherries and plums laced with a hint of spice, this is a classy, elegant red that is silky smooth in the mouth. This well-balanced gem is absolutely delicious.

By Daralyn Danns

 

Spotlight on Sisley’s new Le Phyto Rouge

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

A swipe of lipstick can change your appearance in an instant. It can lift your spirits, boost your self-esteem and make you look more powerful. 

The right hue can brighten your face and make your eyes appear bigger. It is the perfect treat when you want a pick-me-up. There is nothing like a red lip for when you want to make a statement. According to the legendary Hollywood actor Audrey Hepburn, there is a shade for every woman. Sisley’s new Le Phyto Rouge comprises 20 stunning colours including a good selection of reds.

Renowned for combining top quality skincare with make-up, I had high expectations from this product which were actually exceeded.

Rose Granada

It is arguably one of the best I have tried in a long time. I have incredibly dry lips and I found this one to be really moisturising, almost like using a balm, thanks to its new protective care formula, the “Hydrobooster Complex”.

This winning combination of hyaluronic acid and konjac glucomannans, known for its moisturising properties, means that lips are plumper, smoother and look fuller. The lipstick also contains camellia oil which helps keep lips supple. I also like the satin finish so you get a lovely sheen on the mouth.

There are four colour families of bold-pigmented colours, beiges, oranges, pinks and reds so you will find plenty to tempt you. They all come in a zebra-striped gold and black case, which closes with a magnetic click.

My favourite shade has to be Rose Granada, a lovely plum. For an intense look, apply straight from the bullet. For a stain effect, use your fingers. 

A great range from this luxury brand. 

By Daralyn Danns