Cheap Champagne that Tastes Great!

Written by Helena Nicklin

There is only one place in the world that makes what can officially be called ‘Champagne’ and that’s the region of the same name just south of Paris in France. Literally everything else is sparkling wine, no matter how good it is. Reassuringly expensive, Champagne is complicated to make and takes a long time to blend and age (even the cheaper bottles must be aged for 15 months before release). It’s also a pretty small wine region and yet the whole world wants to drink its bubbles. Non Vintage (NV) Champagne tends to start around the £20 mark and go all the way up, so to find anything under that is pretty hard, especially if you want it to be drinkable. For the same money, you can get some cracking bubbles from other wine regions but sometimes, you need the magic word ‘Champagne’ on the bottle.

Luckily for you, we’ve done the hard work. Here are 8 Champagnes for £15 and under that are surprisingly pretty for the pennies.

Veuve Monsigny Brut NV: Aldi

The biscuity one: Jilly Goolden raved about this Champagne recently and with good reason! Made with all three Champagne grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and blended with older wines for layers of biscuity flavour, these brilliant bubbles are constantly impressing wine experts. For the money, this is easily the best NV Champers on the market. 10/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Find here: £12.99

Louis Delaunay Brut NV: Tesco

The crowd-pleaser: A bronze medal winner from top wine competition IWSC, this is soft and easy-drinking, with a tang of red apple on the nose and baked apple pie on the palate. Dry but well balanced, so no screeching acidity to give you heartburn. Great for sipping alone. 8.5/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14

Andre Carpentier Brut NV: Tesco

The sharper one: If you like your bubbles a little more tart, this one is leaner and drier than some with an appley tang. Pretty, warm spice and vanilla notes add richness to the flavour without adding sweetness, which keep it in balance. A good food wine. Try it with paté and cold cuts. 7.5/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14

Henri Cachet Brut NV: Asda

The subtle one: Crisp and pure, there’s a lemon sherbert note to Asda’s Henri. Fairly simple on the nose and palate, it’s well-balanced fizz that’s dry and refreshing. Inoffensive in the most positive sense, where many others at this price can make you grab the Rennie. A good one for white fish and seafood. 7/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: Usually, £13.50 but on offer for £9.97 right now!

Comte de Senneval, Brut NV: Lidl

The savoury one: Not your classic Champagne flavour profile this, with notes of smoky toffee, caramel and an elderflower on the finish. It also has a wine-like weight and hint of sweetness that may split the judges. A bit quirky and of-a-style, but try it with smoked salmon and it should make a happy match. 6/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £12.99

Nicolas de Mont Bart, Brut NV, £10.99, Aldi

The one for Prosecco lovers: You really should not be able to buy Champagne this cheaply anywhere, so it may well be a parcel that may disappear soon. Bone dry with citrusy freshness, crisp and frothy, there’s not a whole lot of flavour going on, but it’s certainly gluggable. As Aldi say themselves, this is your aperitif wine. 6/10

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: Usually, £10.99 but currently on offer for £9.95 

If you are looking for more champagne choices then check out: From Budget to Blow-out: 7 Outstanding Champagnes!

Top Pink Proseccos £10 and under

Words by Helena Nicklin

It’s official. Prosecco now comes in pink! Thanks to a change in the laws that govern winemaking in the protected region of Prosecco in Northeastern Italy, winemakers are now able to use up to 15% of the red grape Pinot Nero (Italian for Pinot Noir) in their Prosecco wines along with the famous Glera grape. Pink sparklers have always been found around the Veneto, but now, as long as a wine is produced with Glera and Pinot Nero (with a few other geeky regulations), it can officially be called Prosecco. Aldi was the first to market with their Costellore and now, the other supermarkets are following suit. It’s going to be a new bubbles trend, so watch this space! The great thing about Prosecco is that at around 11% abv, it's easy enough to drink alone but also goes with most food - and the pink ones are fabulous with fruit puds and cold cuts too. Hot off the (wine) press, here’s a look at the UK’s first-ever Pink Proseccos to hit the shelves...

Prosecco Rosé, Brut: M&S

A Brut style, so drier than some, this is a fun, fruity fizz with notes of wild strawberry, cherry and a dry finish. A sophisticated sparkler worth the extra pound or two.

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: Case of 6 normally £60 currently £48

Corte Molino Prosecco Rosé, Extra Dry: Co-op.

Raspberry ripple pink with ripe, summer berry fruit and pear flavours. Flirty and frothy, this is very soft, fairly sweet and goes down far too easily. 

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £8.50

Prosecco Rosé, Fillipo Sansovino, Extra Dry: ASDA

This pretty pink is all about strawberries and cream with lots of soft bubbles. Not as refreshing as some on the finish, but the choice for those who like their fizz a little sweeter. 

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £6.50

Prosecco Rosé, Extra Dry: SPAR

Pale rose petal pink and delicate, this is a crisp, refreshing Prosecco that’s well balanced. Excellent value for money and one that everyone will most likely enjoy.

Size: 75cl
Find it in store: £8.99

Rosé Prosecco, Extra Dry: Lidl

In this rather striking cut glass bottle, this pale pink Prosecco is more savoury than you would expect from an Extra Dry. Simple and raspberry-scented with a subtle smokiness on the nose.

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £6.49

Costellore Pink Prosecco, Extra Dry: Aldi

A slightly darker pink and more meaty, this Prosecco is packed with very ripe red fruit but also, a subtle note of struck-match, which might split the judges. 

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £6.49

Splash Out! Prosecco Rosé, il Fresco Brut: Villa Sandi

Ok, it’s not under £10 but it’s definitely worth a mention. Brut in style, so drier than most of the others, this sparkler is a real step up in terms of texture and flavour, with notes of caramelized pear and raspberry purée. Beautifully presented, this one could also take some heftier dishes too, such as pork or poultry. Roast chicken with all the trimmings, anyone?

ABV: 11%
Size: 75cl
Find it here: £14.99

Want to know more about Prosecco and its sweetness levels? Check out this article!

4 Great Scotch Whisky Alternatives

Words by Helena Nicklin

Burns Night is upon us once again, but not everyone feels the love of Scotch whisky (crazy, we know!) Here are some drinks with a nod to Scotch whisky without actually being whisky themselves. Intrigued? Read on!

Wine

Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon

Here’s the wine drinker’s choice for Burns Night: wine aged in Scotch whisky barrels! The Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel range includes Shiraz and Chardonnay finished in aged Scotch whisky barrels (there’s also a Cabernet Sauvignon finished in Irish whisky barrels. Note that for St Patrick's day!)

These bold, fruity and spicy wines with great texture are matured at first in traditional, oak  wine barrels but then are finished - just like whisky can be - in aged whisky barrels to build additional layers of complexity.

Find here: UK Chardonnay £12 // US Shiraz $21.99

Spirits

Storywood Speyside 14 Añejo Tequila (ABV: 40%)

Created by founder Michael Ballantyne who was born in Scotland and raised in Texas, Storywood is described as ‘a tequila with the heart of Mexico and the soul of Scotland’. 

This 100% Agave Tequila was aged for 14 months in single malt whisky casks from Speyside, Scotland to create a unique, sipping Tequila that’s great on the rocks or with simple mixers. Think oak, nuts and treacle. It also makes an epic Old Fashioned. Personally, I’d call that a New Fashioned...

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £53.20

No & Low

Crossip ‘Dandy Smoke’

This non- alcoholic ‘spirit’ packs a smoky, medicinal punch that reminds me of Islay Scotch whisky. Rich and viscous, this is a drink that’s fantastic alone over ice or with simple mixers like cola or ginger ale in highballs. It also makes a great Maple Old Fashioned. Crossip are worth checking out for their good causes too. A great product to support!

Find here: £22

Splash Out!

Havana Club Tributo 2019 (ABV 40%)

This extraordinary and exceptionally rare ‘peated’ rum was created with the help of three generations of Cuban rum masters, where each selected a rare, oak-aged rum base from numerous decades. The fourth release in the ‘Tributo’ range, it has been finished in Scotch whisky casks that used to hold peated whisky. Only 2,500 were made. Get in there! Don’t we all deserve a treat?

Find here: £350

Want to try some ACTUAL Scotch Whiskies? Here are some of our favourites.

Wine & Spirits Delivery: Lockdown 3 Guide

This week, several friends have asked us to find out which merchants would deliver booze to them as Majestic are overrun. We put out a tweet to see which wine writers had written one of those incredible lists and then people starting replying, telling us that they were also delivering booze. 

Note: If you are not currently featured on this list please FILL IN THE FORM BELOW.

MERCHANTS NATIONWIDE

Brixton Wine Club

Not your Mum and Dad's wine club. BWC sell premium wines, but in cans - no need for an underground cellar or fancy wine fridge. Just great wines, ready to drink at a moment’s notice. Choose from the Juice Box, Simply Red, All White, Rosé All Day or the 100% Fizz and join us. Either for a one-off box or an ongoing subscription. We also do monthly Taste-A-Longs on IG Live and can hold private virtual wine tastings.

brixtonwineclub.com

Jackson & Seddon

We are an award-winning UK based importer of artisan, organic wine from small independent producers in Italy. We choose to work with sustainable, boutique winemakers, because we find they put a great deal more love and passion into their work.

jacksonandseddon.com

Cellar Door Wines

Cellar Door Wines is an independent wine merchant specialising in high quality wine from around the world along with craft beers, spirits and liqueurs. They have a bespoke wine club and also run virtual wine tasting events. Buyer, Penny Edwards, has a passion for South African, Italian and organic wine and this is reflected in their broad portfolio of unique products.

cellardoorwines.co.uk

Marlo

Here at Marlo, we deliver fine wine by the bottle to your door. Born out of a vision to give people access to serious wine by the individual bottle, we have curated a superb selection of wines, all offering exceptional value and delivered directly the next working day. Using 100% sustainable materials, the wine is also beautifully wrapped and includes a hand-written note - it's the perfect way to indulge during lockdown or to send a lovely gift without leaving the house! Find us on Instagram @marlowine.

www.marlo.wine

Vinkind

We’re delighted to introduce you to Vinkind - a new online wine shop which helps you explore by taste and food pairing! We focus on delicious yet affordable wines from smaller producers and have a strong selection of vegan and organic wines. Be sure to check out Vinkind.com and use code - 3DRINKERS - for 15% off our range.

http://www.vinkind.com

Berkmann Wine Cellars

Short Description: Berkmann Wine Cellars has announced it is reopening its industry-leading Help 4 Hospitality scheme, the pop-up online wine shop that helped raise over £75K for individuals and businesses within the hospitality sector during the spring lockdown… This time, Berkmann Wine Cellars has chosen to increase the share of revenue donated to the industry from 12.5% to 20%.

 https://www.help4hospitality.com/

Wine Shop Lanzarote

Importer and online retailer of Lanzarote’s truly unique volcanic wine and craft beer.

 http://www.wineshoplanzarote.com

Gerrard Seel Ltd

 Wine merchants and shippers. Home delivery is our pleasure through U.K. mainland. Great quality at sensible prices.

http://gerrardseel.co.uk

9 Elms Wines

A treasure trove of award-winning wines & spirits from family owned, boutique producers. Many of which were previously only available in top restaurants. We offer a global range from old world classics to rarer, more esoteric discoveries for the wine explorer. Nationwide delivery.

 http://www.9elmswines.co.uk

Club Vino

Club Vino offers relaxed home wine tasting experience, to be enjoyed in your own time. Sourcing wine from boutique and family owned wineries. Packages include 6 full sized bottle , tasting notes, glass markers and access to an online video where founder and chief sommelier Marco castelanelli will guide your though the wine .

http://Www.club-Vino.co.uk

JF Tobias

A small London-based wine merchants, delivering fine wine nationally throughout lockdown. Safe, secure and rated 5 stars on TrustPilot.

http://www.jftwines.com

The Great Wine Co.

We represent our fantastic producers in the UK and it’s a delight to introduce you to their wines. We also sell spirits, and have mixed cases and gifts.
Free delivery over £50 across uk mainland, swift DPD courier service.

 http://Greatwine.co.uk

BeerGinVino

Finest craft beers, artisan gins and amazing wines from local English & emerging worldwide producers who really care. Local & provincial producers delivered to your door or visit The Hatchery our shop on a destination farm. Free UK delivery*, click & collect and shop openThursday 5-7.30 and Saturday 10-5pm Support & buy local️

 http://www.beerginvino.com

Libiamo Wines

London-based online wine store specialising in Italian wine and spirits. The team has a huge experience in the industry and deep connections with rigorous and talented small wineries throughout Italy. The website also hosts a blog with useful insights into the traditions of Italian winemaking. Most wines are highly prized. Products are delivered in 24/48 hours to UK Mainland.

 http://libiamowines.co.uk

Burgess & Hall

Independent wine shop & bar 353 Winchelsea Rd, London E7 0AQ NOW OFFERING LOCAL HOME DELIVERIES FOR OUTSTANDING WINE & BEER info@burgessandhall.com burgessandhall.com

Cépage

A conscious importer and retailer of unique, hard to find wines. Challenging what you taste, promoting new liquid discovery and removing preconceptions in wine. Available for personal recommendations and bespoke wine expert services.

http://www.cepage.uk/

Cellier

Wines, spirits, beer & gifts - from case deals on your supermarket favourites to great deals on niche products, FREE next day delivery on case deals & purchases over £75

 http://www.cellier.co.uk

DrinKit

We are wine enthusiasts who want to share our love of good, carefully sourced, and affordable wine with you. We want to help vineyards that have truly suffered during these difficult times while creating a community of wine lovers who enjoy discovering undiscovered wines!

 http://Buydrinkit.com

Grape Britannia

The English and Welsh wine specialists - over 200 wines in stock. Lots of amazing English Sparkling Wine of course, but also over 120 still wines of all colours, plus pet nat, charmat, natural, fortified and more.

 http://grapebritannia.co.uk

BloomsYard

The BloomsYard e-shop showcases specialty tea, coffee and wonderful wine - all handpicked for their specific attributes. Read all about each online before you buy.

http://Www.BloomsYard.com/shop

Slurp

Online wine merchant with our flagship retail store based in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Delivery nationwide. Slurp offers you excellent wines from around the world at exceptional value. From New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to French Bordeaux we have something for everyone and we offer FREE next-day delivery when you spend £100 or more. We are continually seeking out new and exciting wines to share with you. Cheers!

http://Slurp.co.uk

 Eynsham CellarsWine Merchant with a shop in Oxfordshire, delivering Nationwide

http://Www.eynshamcellars.com

Husky Wines

Uk agent for the wines of Vinchio Vaglio Serra in Piedmont, N Italy. A co op of two valleys, growing Barbera, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir , Arneis, Moscato , Brachetto amongst others

http://huskywines.co.uk

James Hocking Wine

Leading Californian specialist, James Hocking Wine, is offering free delivery – and same day where possible – to the Andover, Salisbury and Winchester hubs and their surrounding villages. Nationwide delivery is also available. JHW has created a limited-edition "Ultimate Californian Case" comprising six bottles of fine and rare wines from The Golden State. JHW also offers single bottles from its “Fine & Covetable” range, which includes Moone-Tsai 2017 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay; CAMi 2016 Napa Valley Estate Wine; and Scarecrow 2017 M.Etain Cabernet Sauvignon. Many of these wines are usually destined for restaurant sales and are available to private customers for the first time.

 http://www.jameshockingwine.com.

The Drop Store

Short Description: Shop for award-winning premium spirits, craft beers and wines, exclusive brands not available on the high street from one of UK’s most established drinks specialists.

 http://thedropstore.com/

The Wine Barn

German wine specialist! A mixed case of twelve red, white and sparkling German wines to lighten your evenings and enjoy at home. Delivery included. https://the-winebarn.myshopify.com/products/stay-home-stay-safe

Winebuyers.com

Winebuyers.com is an exclusive online wine club with a simple mission: to bring wine and spirits into the 21st century. Using custom built API technology, developed over 18 months, Winebuyers connects wine lovers directly with some of the best vineyards, specialist merchants and distilleries. Winebuyers provides access to over 50,000 bottles, spanning 40 countries, all with zero mark-up and all with a commission free price-tag. Winebuyers.com

Corney & Barrow

Next day delivery within M25 / UK-wide delivery from our Hoddesdon and East Kilbride warehouse corneyandbarrow.com

Thomson and Scott

Offering free delivery on their organic, vegan Prosecco and Noughty (alcohol-free sparkling). Also doing daily live cocktail sessions on their instagram thomsonandscott.com

The Fizz Company

We are delivering wine, sparkling wine and champagne nationwide . Leeds, UK thefizzcompany.com

Noel Young Wines 

We are locally and nationally - thanks for shout out for the indies! Cambridge nywines.co.uk

Ditton Wine Traders

Fast growing fine wine merchants specializing in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Italy. Always well priced. Happily sharing all we know on /dittonwinetraders.co.uk

Elicite

We're a boutique e-commerce wine retailer based in the UK, specialising in wines over £15 and  yes, we're still delivering (express and also no-contact for those that need it), throughout the UK. https://www.elicite.com/

Le Vignoble

Fabulous selection & great service - Wine Lounge, Wine Merchant & Wine Education in the New Cooperage. Royal William Yard, Plymouth levignoble.co.uk

Red Squirrel Wine

We are delivering nationwide, free delivery over £70. Native, alternative & naturally lovely wines online since 2012. “An inspiring range,” Steven Spurrier. Try our new Rosé Tour de France mixed case. London. https://redsquirrelwine.com

BinTwo

Local delivery and mail order. We're that amazing little wine shop, Champagne & coffee bar just off the harbour in Padstow. Come and say hello! Padstow bintwo.com

The Little Fine Wine Company

We are still delivering our wines throughout the UK. Next day service. We specialise in half bottles. thelittlefinewinecompany.co.uk

Georgian Wine

Bringing you the Georgian wine experience... #gvinouk gvinouk.com/wines

Armit Wines

Still delivering in London. Leading contemporary UK #wine merchant. Armit Wines supplies wines from the world's best winemakers to private customers, on-trade and the trade. London armitwines.co.uk

Wines With Attitude

Wines With Attitude is still delivering in England & Wales https://wineswithattitude.co.uk

George Hill Wine & Worth Brothers

Both very good independents in the East Midlands. @GeorgeHillWine @worthbrothers 

Wanderlust Wine

UK based importer of small producers making sustainable organically farmed wine. London, England wanderlustwine.co.uk

Hawkins Bros.

Specialist English Wine Merchants, selling stunning English wines to a thirsty public, based at Secrett's Farm Shop, Milford, Surrey. hawkinsbros.co.uk

The Real English Drinks House

We are still operating and delivering nationally. We stock fine English wines, craft beers and artisan spirits. http://redh.co.uk

Feelgood Grapes

The online wine shop championing all things sustainable, organic, and biodynamic in the world of wine. https://www.feelgoodgrapes.com/shop

Good Wine x Good People

Introducing a new way to order wine online! We offer personalised wine selections, paired with YOU - for your palate, your meal, moment or mood. Central to this process is our Personal Somm Questionnaire, a few simple questions to help us get to know you and your preferences. Seasoned wine educator Dan Belmont then gets to work choosing your wine selection and writing personalised tasting notes! We also offer limited edition collections which include an exclusive video greeting from one of the featured winemakers! Most UK deliveries in 2 business days, free shipping on all orders over £150.

Use code GOODPEOPLES for 5% off your first order!

http://www.goodwinexgoodpeople.com

MySomm

We are a family-run online wine merchant based in South West London. Our dream is for wine to be more approachable and less elitist. With this in mind we are ready to take on any wine related questions you have to help you buy the perfect wine for you. We look forward to helping and recommending where we can. We store a selection of great value and quality wines from around the world, specialising in wines from America.

http://mysomm.co.uk

Natty Boy Wines

Short Description: Natural, Organic and Biodynamic Wine Specialists. Same day delivery in London and next day UK wide.

http://Www.nattyboywines.co.uk

VINEYARDS

Amber Valley Wines

A Derbyshire vineyard, producer and merchant selling a range of high quality English wines, local spirits, cider and ­ales. Free local and national delivery available. Tel: 07920484207

www.ambervalleywines.co.uk/shop

Alder Vineyard

Alder Vineyard is a family run vineyard, based in Devon. We ship our award winning wines throughout mainland UK, and offer local delivery.

http://ALDERVINEYARD.UK

Woodchester Valley Vineyard

Outstanding still and sparkling wines from the Cotswolds.
Vegan, low sulfite and sustainable.

http://www.woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk

Dalwood Vineyard

A very small CoOp in Devon. We make about 6000 bottles of award winning Brut and Still wines
Exclusive and Different.

http://dalwoodvineyard.co.uk

Rathfinny Wine Estate

 Producing Sparkling wines to rival the best in the world from a vineyard in the Sussex South Downs, near Alfriston. Available online for delivery across the UK or from our Cellar Door shop and various independent wine merchants.

http://rathfinnyestate.com/

Lyme Bay Winery

The Devon based winery makes award-winning still and sparkling English wines and offers free delivery on orders over £20. They are also currently offering 10% off all English wines with the code GOODFRIDAY10 https://www.lymebaywinery.co.uk/english-wines

WineGB.co.uk

Search here for English & Welsh vineyards near you that deliver to your door. WineGB.co.uk

Tickerage Wines

Boutique vineyard specialising in Sussex sparkling wines. Next working day delivery service. Sussexsparklingwines.co.uk

Flint Vineyards

Innovative Norfolk vineyard and winery, blending cutting edge science with traditional winemaking techniques. Times Top 100 Wines & Indy Best Buy 2018. We're offering free next day delivery nationwide on orders of 2 bottles or more. flintvineyard.com

Gusbourne

Award-winning wines from Kent. Wherever you are in the mainland UK, Gusbourne continues to offer free delivery on all orders, no minimum order required. gusbourne.com

Breaky Bottom

Sussex sparkling wines. Delivering to your door. Free delivery in April for cases of 6 wines. Breakybottom.co.uk

Dunleavy Vineyard 

I’m sending out mainland uk orders and delivering local. Award Winning English Wine | Bristol-Bath-Somerset-London | Instagram & FB Dunleavy Vineyards. Bristol & Somerset dunleavyvineyards.co.uk

Domaine du Météore

We are still delivering their great tasting case of reds in the UK with 20% off. http://domainedumeteore.com from the only vines in the world grown in a meteorite crater!

Carr Taylor Wines

We are one of the longest established vineyards in England, making fine English wines since 1971, in the heart of 1066 country. East Sussex. We're offering free delivery to mainland UK on all orders. carr-taylor.co.uk

Fox & Fox Vineyards

Boutique grower-producer of crafted English Sparkling Wines. Sussex. foxandfox.wine

Paso-Primero

Paso-Primero is an independent, family run company in Somontano in the central Pyrenees of northern Spain. Winemakers Thomas and Emma Holt settled here to achieve their ambition of making their own wines, in their own style. Their award winning wines are available throughout the UK, distributed direct from the winemakers in their hometown of Shrewsbury.

 http://www.paso-primero.com

COCKTAILS, SPIRITS , MEAD & MORE

York Gin

Short Description: We offer free UK delivery on our full range of dry gins. We regularly win major international gold and silver medals - our Old Tom is one of the world’s best. Our distillery runs on 100% green electricity, and all our products and packaging are plastic free.

http://yorkgin.com

Speakeasy At Home

Helping to light up your lockdown, Speakeasy at Home is a brand new, UK-wide cocktail delivery platform bringing together offerings from three of the world’s best bars, Swift, Nightjar and Oriole. Each cocktail is available in 220ml pouches (2 servings) and 500ml bottles (5 servings), catering for smaller and larger household alike from just £6.00 per cocktail. Several mix-and-match deals and gifting options also make it possible to experience all three bars under your own roof for less - the perfect indulgent treat or present over the festive period in lieu of in-person catch ups over cocktails, Christmas parties and seasonal drinks. Over the coming weeks, we will also launch a range of Christmas and New Year cocktail sets, alongside a subscription model for monthly themed deliveries.

http://www.speakeasyathome.co.uk

Easy Social Cocktail Co.

The easy social cocktail co was started by a group of friends who believe in a simple idea – life is better when we mix. Our cocktails include the 'very naughty boy martini', 'super strawberry negroni' and 'holy sassy molassy old fashioned' all available in 500ml bottle or eco pouch. Already have enough booze at home? Try our 'make mine a…' range: simply add to your favourite spirit and give a little shake or stir to turn your dram into a delicious cocktail. We also offer a bespoke cocktail service - the perfect present for the cocktail lover in your life.

https://easysocialcocktail.co/

Sociovino

Created by a team of former sommeliers, Sociovino gives you online wine expertise without the fuss, importing wines from small producers with big flavours. Build your own case, select from one of our themed collections or enjoy one of our cocktail kits.

http://www.sociovino.com

Sky Wave Gin

Craft Gin Distillery based near Bicester in Oxfordshire, producing traditional hand crafted gin in micro batches using the one-shot method. Began life in 2018 and won "World's Best Contemporary Gin" at the 2020 World Gin Awards for our signature London Dry Gin. Offering FREE 2nd class Postage & Packaging until 2 December 2020.

 http://www.skywavegin.com

Northumberland Honey Co - Beekeepers & Mead Makers

Commercial Beekeepers & Mead Makers. Traditional Method Sparkling Mead and quality honey. Beekeeping experiences, courses & bees. Talks & tastings. We're still delivering. Haltwhistle northumberlandhoney.co.uk

Sipping Liquor

We’re still delivering spirits! Get a curated selection of the world's finest spirits delivered to your door. Use the code TWITTER at checkout to get your first box for just £40. United Kingdom sippingliquor.com/join

The Single Cask

We ship awesome single cask whisky world wide. They’re all top quality, cask strength, and non chill filtered - presented in a decanter style bottle to make pouring a dram a moment of celebration. www.thesinglecask.co.uk

The Good Spirits Company

We aim to provide you with superb customer service, the best possible selection of fine wines & spirits from every corner of the world and we work with scores of suppliers to track down hard to find bottles. We are also trialling a free local delivery service for the Glasgow area. www.thegoodspiritsco.com

The Dram Team

Our subscription box club delivers unique whisky tastings to your door once a month; simple, easy, educational - and most of all, delicious. www.thedramteam.co.uk

GREAT LISTS OF RETAILERS COMPILED BY OTHERS

Jancis Robinson - Jancisrobinson.com  HERE

Susie Barrie & Peter Richards -  thewinefestival.co.uk HERE

Victoria Moore - The Telegraph HERE

Three Wine Men - HERE

Not Listed?

Fill in the form below and we’ll add you to the list.

Tweet us or email us to be added! helena@thethreedrinkers.com or @the3drinkers.com

Decoding Spanish Wine Labels

Wine labels can cause a real headache sometimes with all their terminology, especially if in a foreign language. Spanish wine labels are easier to understand than some so here are a few of the key terms you need to know to get the most out of your bottle…

Enjoyed this? Why not check out Delicious Spanish Food and Wine Pairings and 5 Reasons to Try Garnacha

Fantastic Wine Gifts, Subscriptions & Experiences

We love our wine and have been spoiled for choice this year with the wonderful bottles we have tasted. Here’s a selection of some fantastic gift packages, experiences and subscriptions that really caught our eye and out taste buds, that have that extra wow factor, making them the perfect wine gift.

Wine Gift Packages

Feel Good Grapes: Brilliant Biodynamics Box

See for yourselves the upside of this winemaking ethos with this curated collection of 6 biodynamic wines. It feels great to know that the winemakers are bending over backwards to get life back into their vineyards, but it also means you get to taste fabulous, vibrant wines.

Find here: £100

Hattingley Valley - Trio Gift Box

A hatt-trick (see what we did there?) of outstanding, award-winning sparkling wines from one of the countries most awarded wineries. It includes the Classic Reserve, the Rosé 2015 and the stunning Blanc de Blancs 2013. Together, these would have been £133.50 so there’s a great saving there too. The perfect present! 

Find here: £96.47

Bellini Case  - The Wine Society

The world’s oldest, not-for-profit wine club The Wine Society is offering a huge range of gift packages, from their ‘Christmas tidings’ case, to the ’Champagne and Chocolates Case‘ and this, the ’Bellini Case‘. The Bellini case includes The Wine Society’s own excellent quality, family-produced Prosecco, together with both a rhubarb and a white peach fruit nectars from the Van Nahmen range.

Find here: Full range of gifts from £22 to £145

Celebrity Wine & Food Hampers

Pop icon Kylie Minogue and Graham Norton have released their first-ever Christmas Hampers. Kylie’s “Wild Rosé” and “Lovers” hampers feature her best selling wines, alongside culinary delights and gifts hand-picked by the Kylie herself. Graham’s Christmas hamper is for white and bubble lovers, celebrating his best-selling Sauvignon Blanc and Prosecco, accompanied by delicious food. 

Find here: From £125.00 

Barbadillo En Rama Sherry Gift Set

Pastora Mananilla Pasada En Rama is no ordinary Sherry. It was resurrected by Barbadillo back in 2015 to replicate what Sherry used to be traditionally. Bottle ‘en rama’, which means raw, this Manzanilla has had no filtering or finishing, so it keeps as much flavour and freshness as if it had just been drawn straight from the cask. You’ll get a bottle of Barbadillo Pastora En Rama, two tins of delicious Perello Gordal Pitted Olives, two sherry glasses and a gorgeously retro style box, where you can use the lid as a wall hanging! 

Find here: £35

Subscriptions

Port.Club Port subscription from Churchill’s

Port is not just for Christmas! Port.Club from Churchill’s is the ultimate gift subscription for the port curious and port lovers alike, offering a delicious, decadent quarterly surprise. Included in the membership is access to unique travel and educational experiences both in Portugal and online. The Port Packs all come with one everyday port, one special occasion port and one unique club port, selected and blended by Churchill’s founder and head winemaker Johnny Graham. As a special launch offer, anyone who buys a membership will receive one additional pack to gift to someone for Christmas worth £70! It’s an awesome way to get into one of the world’s finest and most underrated wine styles in a relaxed, totally accessible way. 12 months price £240. Quarterly price £70.

Find here: From £70

LITTLEWINE Club

This brand new company was formed by established wine trade members with a passion for organic and naturally made wines. They’re offering 4 subscription packs from £50 a month: Roots, Grower, Backstage Pass and Cosmos, with added perks such as access to winemaker tastings. Little Wine use eco-conscious packaging and gift-wrapping too, which is a bonus for us and the earth!

Find here: From £50 a month 

C&B Wine Odyssey

From one of the UK’s oldest established wine merchants who really know their stuff, send someone on a wine odyssey, with 6 bottles delivered straight to the doorstep on a pre-selected day of the month and the choice of 6 or 12 monthly payments. Subscribers also have access to tasting notes, recipes, producer videos and lots of other fun and educational content.

Find here: £160 & £240

Experiences

Champagne Experience Gifting Vouchers

Searcys have launched a range of 30-plus gift experience vouchers for use across their iconic venues, from dinner at the Gherkin, afternoon tea at Blenheim Palace or lunch at the stunning Bath Pump Rooms, among other venues all over the UK. From beautifully gift boxed single bottles of champagne to extravagant staycation tasting experiences, there’s a huge range for an epicurean. See all their gifting options and experiences below.

Find here

Wine Tasting Tour & Experience at Oastbrook in Sussex

Oastbrook is next to Bodiam Castle in the beautiful countryside of south-east England, where Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tours take place from spring to October 2021. Every tour includes a couple of hours with your very own winemaker guide, America, taking in the stunning boutique vineyards and organic farmland. Each experience rounds off with a tasting of Oastbrook wines in the heart of the picturesque Estate with complimentary handmade local cheese, biscuits and chutney. Book the tour or get the gift voucher for £25pp from Oastbrook.com. You could add a bottle of their Sparkling Rosé 2014 too for £38 while you’re at it!

Don’t forget to check out our Christmas wine, gin and whisky recommendations!

Delicious Spanish Food and Wine Pairings

When planning a dinner, lunch or surprise picnic in the woods, Spanish wine and food is your failsafe combo. Follow Aidy and Helena as they share with you some of their favourite food and wine pairings…

Enjoyed this? Why not check out Why the Cariñena Region Needs to be on your Radar and 5 Reasons to Try Garnacha

Stunning Wines to Enjoy this Christmas

We love our wine and have been spoiled for choice this year with the wonderful bottles we have tasted. Here’s a selection of some that really caught our eye and our taste buds, that have that extra wow factor, making them the perfect wine gift or sip over the festive season.

Sparkling

Champagne Duval-Leroy ‘Clos Des Bouveries’ 2006 Vintage

Not just any Champagne, the ‘Clos des Bouveries’ is an ancient vineyard plot owned by the Duval-Leroy family that boasts the perfect location and terroir for champagne grapes, giving them exceptional concentration and fruit. Made with 100% Chardonnay and partially fermented in oak barrels, it combines purity with complexity and body. Gorgeous.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £121 and find the rest of the range here

Beau Joie Brut

Translating as ‘beautiful joy’, this Champagne is just that; a stunner on the eye and a delight to drink! The striking bottle oozes luxury with its unique copper casing, which also acts as a wine cooler when chilled - and the champagne inside is definitely something to write home about. The even better news… Beau Joie is available in three variants: a crisp, clean, rosé Champagne, a fruity elegant demi-sec and a unique, zero-dosage brut.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Find here: £89.95

Delamotte Blancs de Blancs NV

2020 marks the 260th anniversary of this house, founded in 1760 by Francois Delamotte. It’s the sister Champagne to the celebrated Salon, arguably the world’s rarest champagne and is the hidden ‘insiders’ gem that true winos adore. 100% Chardonnay from the region’s top Grand Cru vineyards, the non vintage manages to combine freshness and complexity with elegance and accessibility, showcasing gorgeously understated notes of lemon, grapefruit and brioche, backed up by a moreish chalkiness and soft, creamy mousse. For the price, it’s unbeatable. It also comes in half bottles! Perfect for the stocking.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Find here: £42.46 (on offer) // £22.91 (half bottle)

Bollinger Special Cuvée 007 Limited Edition

This special cuvée was created to celebrate a 40 year collaboration between Maison Bollinger and the James Bond franchise, while at the same time, marking the launch of No Time To Die. This wine comes in a limited edition gift box that brings together Bollinger’s signature Special Cuvée, the Aston Martin DB5 and James Bond, with its sleek, silver birch colour and silhouette of the man himself. Special Bolly just got even more special in our opinion!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Find here: £46.50

Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvée 2014

A very limited release from Hattingley valley made by rising star winemaker Emma Rice, this gorgeous English sparkling wine is a premium blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (the exact same grapes used in Champagne). It is perfect for enjoying with pre dinner snacks and has just won the accolade of ‘Supreme Champion’ at the WineGB awards, making it the best sparkling wine in the UK. We’ll drink to that!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Find here: £85

White

Six Brothers Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2019

Founded by Richie Vandenberg, an ex ‘Aussie Rules’ footballer and captain, the Six Borther wines were names after the heroic Vandenberg brothers who fought for their country at the outbreak of World War II. This Chardonnay is just the ticket for turkey, creamy cheese dishes, pastas or even fish. It’s aromatic and powerful, with flavours of white stone fruits, creme brûlée, hazelnut and citrus peel. Creamy on the palate too, it’s a perfect festive white. Opulent and delicious.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £22.99 mix six price from Majestic

Gusbourne ‘Guinevere’ Chardonnay, Kent, England 2018

Yes, a still white wine from England and it is breathtaking! This exceptionally elegant Chardonnay is packed with complex notes of citrus peel, brioche, orchard fruit and citrus with the leanest, saline backbone. There’s so much going on but it doesn't shout loudly. Guinevere is the perfect name.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £25

Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carneros, USA

A rich, sunshine Chardonnay is precisely what you need on a cold, Christmas day. Notes of marshmallow and vanilla are offset by a lick of lemon citrus and a cool, mineral core. Channel California while you sip! We love this wine and this mix six price, you could treat someone to their own stash. Pair it with the Pinot Noir (below) and you’ve covered all bases.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: UK £20.99 mix six price // US $34.58

Rosé

Soho House's Lady A Rose

You may have heard us banging on about how rosé - especially Provencal rosé is perfect with festive meals, so what a great idea to ship in a case of this as a gift for someone (or yourself)! This unique Rosé is a collaboration with the iconic, biodynamic Chateau la Coste estate in Provence and Soho House. It’s delicate and elegant with peach and strawberry notes, yet with a creamy weight on the palate. Perfect alone or with turkey and all the trimmings!

Size: 75cl
Find here: £19.90

Etna Rosato, Tenuta delle Terre Nere 2019

Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on bush vines in the volcanic soils of Sicily’s Mount Etna make for unique, interesting and delicious wines. Supremely elegant but multi-layered and textural, this is a beautiful, textural yet vibrant pink with subtle notes of red plum and cherry. A gorgeous winter pink and a great food wine, especially with fleshy fish dishes. 

Size: 75cl
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £11.25 

Red

Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

South Africa had a tough time during lockdown with alcohol sales being banned, resulting in very hard times for producers and merchants. You can support them by drinking fabulous wine - and this is a firm favourite of ours. 

Pronounced BURK- ERN-HOOTS-CLOOF (which is a delight to say out loud - try it!), this Cabernet Sauvignon from the Helderberg area showcases the perfect blend of old world and new world styles. Perfumed, complex and alluring, those classic Cabernet notes of cedar and blackcurrant are there in abundance and balanced so beautifully with a crisp acidity, cool minerality and moreish notes of bay leaf, graphite and cacao. Beguiling and utterly delicious.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £39.99 mix six price // US From $35 here

Saintsbury Pinot Noir, Carneros, USA

Cool climate California produces some beautifully aromatic, cherry-scented Pinot that’s soft as silk. This is an incredibly easy-drinking Pinot Noir packed with dark and red berry fruit and gentle cinnamon spice. A perfect partner for turkey and festive fare and a create follow on from the Chardonnay (above).

Size: 75cl
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £20.99 mix six price // US $46.58

Vandenburg Six Brothers Pinot Noir, Tasmania, 2018

Sister wine to the Chardonnay above, this soft and rich Pinot Noir comes from a single vineyard located south of the Tamar Valley in Tasmania. Think of spicy, red fruit like cherry and raspberry compote with a subtle herbaceousness and moreish, truffle earthiness. Incredibly complex and elegant, this wine is drinking beautifully now but will also keep for 5 years or so. Drink it with duck and Asian sauces or lamb and roasted vegetables. Gorgeous!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 14%
Find here: £33.99 Mix 6 price

McGuigan Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2014

One of the premium wines from McGuigan; the well-loved Australian wine. With its pleasing red wax top, this wine looks how it tastes: bold and velvety with notes of blackberry jam spice and a kick of pepper and eucalyptus. A great looking bottle for a gift and a belter with red meat.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 15%
Find here: £20  

Inglenook Zinfandel Edizione Pennino 2011

Inglenook has been owned by film director Francis Ford Coppola since 1975 and he named this Zinfandel after his grandfather’s music company, Pennino. It even has one of the song titles on the cork! Zinfandel from here is bold and brooding, full of lush, damson fruit and notes of dried fig coming out with its age. This one is exceptional and beautifully balanced to boot!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 14.8%
Find here: £58

Vineyard 7 & 8 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

2017 started so well in Napa but ended in devastating fires. Luckily, these vineyards were spared and the 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has developed into a beautiful wine, showing vibrant blackberry, currant, cassis and espresso, Great tension, and a beautiful finish. So impressive for such a challenging vintage. 

Size: 75cl
ABV: 14.8%
Find here: US £189.99

Looking for more ‘drinkspiration’? Then, make sure to check out our cognac, whisky and tequila gift guides!