What is the Best Thing to Drink on Aeroplanes?

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment a holiday starts, but sipping on an in-flight drink whilst cruising above the clouds is a guaranteed way of getting into the mindset. But have you ever noticed any differences in how your favourite drinks taste at 35,000 feet?

Well, you’re not imagining it. The altitude lessens the ability of our senses to detect complexities in flavour, and the pressurised, dry air subdues taste buds, dries out the nose and de-intensifies aroma. It is easy to forget just how much our taste relies on our small, and in the cabin, you may well notice that your favourite aromatic wine on terra firma is unusually shy in the cabin. Did you know that even the loud engines compromise taste, for example!? So, bearing that in mind, how do we drinkers adapt to these conditions and avoid disappointment when the drinks cart comes around?

The key is to opt for bolder, fuller, and more intense flavours, whilst avoiding subtle, more nuances and fragrant drinks. Particularly when it comes to premium aged liquids like older whiskies and wines, the full sensory experience involved in enjoying these is best left till your feet are back on the ground!

When deciding in-flight white wine, you’ll get more out of powerful whites like Chardonnay, Rhone blends, and Viognier-based bottles. For reds, look out for punchy Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah.

Tomato juice is sold in surprisingly huge quantities by airlines, nearly as much as beer in the case of Lufthansa. Research shows that this umami flavour profile may not only avoid the compromise of other tastes, but actually may be enhanced! So, if a Bloody Mary is an option or perhaps savoury gins, then these may taste even better than usual.

One semi-myth of in-flight boozing is that you get drunk quicker. Some say that the pressure change thins the blood, strengthening the effects of any alcohol consumed. What’s more likely however is that the lack of oxygen, dehydration, fairly empty stomach (airports are expensive and plane food’s reputation isn’t the best), limited movement and vacation excitement contributes towards an intoxicated feeling – so there’s some truth to it we suppose. One thing to note; carbonated booze is very popular on flights, and these are absorbed by the body at a faster rate, so if you want to avoid any tipsiness until you reach your destination, maybe steer clear of these.

One Minute Wine Ace: Albariño

The 1st August is Albariño Day! If you haven’t tried Albariño before, listen up as this is going to be your new, go-to, all rounder, white wine. Trust me…

What is Albariño wine and where is it from?

Albariño is a white wine grape whose spiritual home is the naturally beautiful region of Rías Baixas in Galicia, northwestern Spain; a place characterised by its wet and wild,coastal climate given its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and a lot of granite in the soils. 90% of wine grapes planted here are Albariño; it is the white, fine wine region of Spain.

If you think of stormy seas, ripening lemons, wet rocks and sea spray, you’ll have an instant feel for these wines. 

Albariño vineyards in Rias Baixas with their characteristic vine training system and granite poles to keep air circulating.

What does Albariño wine taste like?

Albariño has thick skin and ripens slowly. This contributes to its famously vibrant acidity and elegantly intense aromatics of citrus and peach. It also has a deliciously cool minerality, which makes it a wonderful pairing for fish and seafood. 

Styles of Albariño 

Winemakers in Rías Baixas have been experimenting with Albariño in recent years in order to offer varying styles of wine. Traditionally, the wine has been fermented in stainless steel and is made to be drunk young to preserve its super fresh character. We are however, seeing more and more wines that have seen some oak ageing and /or time spent on the lees (dead yeast cells from fermentation), which give the wines a creamier texture and more complexity of flavour. Wines made like this are more gastronomic, meaning they can handle richer flavours and textures when it comes to food pairing. 

A classic fish dish made to go with Albariño

There are also some subtle differences in the wines from each of the five sub regions of Rías Baixas:

Val do Salnés: This is the largest sub-region, famous for its sandy soils and traditional vineyards and style of Albariño. 

O Rosal: This subregion is near the Portuguese border where soils are more granitic. Other white grapes such as Loureiro and Treixadura are also grown here, so it’s a good place to try blends. 

Condado do Tea: Located inland along the Tea River, Albariño here is a little more floral, thanks largely to the alluvial soils.

Ribeira do Ulla: Towards the north and along the Ulla River, this small subregion has a mix of granite, schist and alluvial soils and a slightly milder microclimate thanks to the river. Wines here are floral and vibrant with a particular tropical note.

Soutomaior: The smallest sub-region near the town of Soutomaior with granite soils and vines on steeper, terraced slopes, which help bring more minerality and salinity to the wines as well as a pronounced white blossom note.  

More Albariño vineyards with granite buildings and supports.

Where to taste Albariño in the UK?

Head over to www.albarinoday.co.uk to find stockists as well as venues for tasting Albariño wine. Here are some of my favourites:

PLANET OF THE GRAPES

Leadenhall, Bull's Head Passage, London.

Planetofthegrapes.co.uk

THE TAPAS ROOM TOOTING

Broadway Market Tooting, Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RJ.

thetapasroom.co.uk

EVUNA NORTHERN QUARTER

Evuna NQ, Thomas Street, Manchester.

evuna.com/restaurant/manchester-northern-quarter

THE ELM TREE INN

Shop Lane, Langton Herring, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4HU.

theelmtreeinn.co.uk

Six Albariño wines to try:

Condes de Albarei 2022, Val do Salnés

Made by Adega Condes de Albarei, this is a super fresh, zesty white with delicate flavours of apricot and white peach.

£14.99 from The Wine Flyer

@condes_de_albarei

Torre la Moreira 2022, Condado do Tea

Made by Bodegas Marques de Vizhoja, this is a cracking, youthful Albariño with a soft texture and a pretty, floral character. 

£13.40 from Vinissimus

@bodegasmarquesdevizhoja

Albariño Martin Codax 2022, Val do Salnés

Made by Bodegas Martin Codax, this is a brilliant introduction to Salnés Albariño with its lemon citrus acidity and salty kick. 

£14.58 from The Great Wine Co

@bodmartincodax @martincodax_uk

Santiago Ruiz 2022, O Rosal

Made by Bodega Santiago Ruiz who are considered to be the fathers of Albariño, being the first to sell these wines from Galicia. This particular bottle is a blend of Albariño with Loureiro, Treixadura, Godello and Caíño Blanco.

£22.25 from DrinkFinder

@bodegasantiagoruiz

Turonia 2021, O Rosal

Made by Quinta Couselo with a touch of oak and 4 months on lees, this is a zesty, concentrated, lemony white with refreshing acidity. 

£21 from Bottle Apostle

@quinta_couselo

Silandeiro Sobre Lías 2022, Val do Salnés

Made by Bodegas Gallegas, this lees aged Albariño has a gorgeous, lemon peel, white peach and honeysuckle nose and a deliciously silky mouthfeel.

£23.95 from Mothervine

For more in depth information on the delicious wines of Rias Baixas, visit www.riasbaixaswines.com

Santorini Wines: Your ABC Guide

Greek wines from both the mainland and the islands are becoming ever more popular as people return from their holidays having tasted some pretty special sips. Quality has skyrocketed over recent years and we are now starting to see more Greek wines on the shelves in our supermarkets and indies as well as on restaurant lists. Santorini seems to be leading the way with its zesty, foodie, white wines made from the Assyrtiko grape, so is well worth a closer look. Here is your ABC guide to the PDO white wines of Santorini with some to try…

What and where?

Santorini is a small archipelago of Greek, volcanic islands in the southern Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece, though "Santorini" is commonly used to refer to the largest and most famous island of the group.

Ancient history

Proof of winemaking on the island has been found dating back  to 20-30 centuries BC with some important findings from the bronze age. This is why the island is described as a ‘living museum’ with the oldest, uninterrupted vine cultivation in the world. The community is working towards earning Santorini UNESCO status to safeguard its vines and practices. 

Assyrtiko: Queen of Grapes

There are 64 wine grapes on the island of which 59 are known. However, only 3 of them are allowed in the PDO: Protected Designation of Origin, which ensures the highest quality in the wines. The hero grape is Assyrtiko - a white grape indigenous to Santorini. It has a vibrant yellow, thick skin and makes gastronomic wines that keep their freshness and acidity despite the heat and relatively high alcohol levels. Assyrtiko wines tend to be delicately aromatic, citrussy and very saline. They’re often aged on their lees (dead yeast cells) and see some bâtonnage (lees stirring) to add a richer, creamier texture. 

Labour intensive, unique viticulture

Santorini is super hot, exceedingly dry and very windy with infertile, volcanic soils. The subsoil is just over 60% pumice with very shallow, loose ‘volcanic dirt’ over the top. Pumice works well to save water here and black lava stones absorb heat away from the vines. To combat the heat and wind and to maximise the water that comes almost entirely from the morning mists, vines are trained into circular, nest shapes called ‘koulouras’. 

Ungrafted vines

On the plus side, there are no pests to contend with and very little disease as the environment is so harsh. This also means that vines here are immune to the phylloxera louse, so they remain ungrafted, with some roots said to be centuries old. These old vines have incredibly deep roots and give the wines dramatically low yields. The result is more concentrated, particularly mineral wines of top quality. 

PDO Santorini

PDO Santorini: Wines must be 85% Assyrtiko, with the rest made up of Aidani and Aithiri, which are softer and more aromatic. The best wines are said to be always made from 100% Assyrtiko. If the label just says Assyrtiko, it’s not PDO Santorini.

PDO Santorini ‘Nykteri’: Nyketri means ‘working all through the night’ as grapes were harvested in the small hours to keep them cooler. The expression now refers to oaked versions of these white wines, where the oak mabe older and larger to add more texture than flavour or newer for a more oaky taste. Whichever style, Nkyteri wines offer a lot of structure and are often described as ‘white wines that drink like red’.

PDO Santorini Vinsanto: These are sweet, late harvest wines that must be made with at least 80% Assyrtiko. They are dried in the sun and fermented very slowly in open vats before being aged in wooden barrels for at least 2 years. The result is moreish, sweet wines that are well balanced and fresh with notes of toffee, mocha, nuts and caramel. They love chocolate and cheese!

Modern Versus Traditional Styles

There has been lots of work in recent years to up the quality in all PDO Santorini wines to showcase the purity of the varietal. Since 2016 particularly, there has been a huge quality push with Assyrtiko becoming more premium, dry, steely, fresh and pure in style. Producers are being incentivised to keep their vines and not sell the land for tourism, so they are being paid much larger amounts for their yields. In turn, this has meant that much more attention is being paid to the winemaking process. There used to be a lot more residual sugar allowed in for example and styles really varied a lot with many Nykteri wines particularly being more oxidative, like a fino Sherry. 

PDO Santorini wines to try

Sigalas Santorini PDO Assyrtiko, 2021

£33 from Maltby & Greek 

Santo Nykteri PDO Assyrtiko-Athiri-Aidani, 2021

£28.50 from Maltby & Greek

Estate Argyros Vinsanto First Release, 2015

£39.90 from 8Wines

How to Approach French Wine as a Beginner

We all know France is one of the wine capitals of the world and makes some damn good wines, but how do you know what you are drinking? When looking at the label, most French wines are labelled with the region, and not by grape which makes this even harder to understand. So, here is a run down of some of the key regions or appellations so that you know what to expect next time you are pacing the aisle in the supermarket trying to decide which wine will pair best with your Sunday lunch!

Bordeaux

Everyone has heard of Bordeaux and their wines which makes sense considering it is the largest wine region in France producing the highest volume as well as the most prestigious wines. Red grape varieties consist of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as well as smaller quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The region also makes beautiful white wines from varieties such as Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
Bordeaux is split into three areas by the Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne Rivers. South of the Gironde is the “Left Bank” including the sub-regions of Graves, Médoc and Sauternes.  North and East of the river lies the “Right Bank” area with Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The last area between the Dordogne and Garonne river is called Entre-Deux-Mers.

As a rule of thumb, Left Bank wines have a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and therefore have stronger black fruit aromas such as blackberry and blackcurrant. These wines are often oaked so you can also expect notes of cedar. Right Bank reds have more Merlot in the blend so will show more prominent red fruit aromas like red cherry and plum.

Entre-Deux-Mers is only allowed to produce dry white wines made predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc. For something different, you can also try Sauternes. This subregion is part of the Left Bank of Bordeaux and produces amazing sweet wines made of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Try these:

Lafite Rothschild Legende Rouge Bordeaux

This is a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The bold wine is medium to high tannins which are balanced by its high acidity. There are beautiful notes of vanilla and toast from oak-ageing as well as blackberry and plum.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £13 from Ocado

Chateau Mezain Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc

A popular white Bordeaux made using Sauvignon Blanc. This light wine is fruit forward with grapefruit, lemon and crisp green apple notes. A great option to pair with a lean fish or goats cheese salad.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Stockist: £9 (down from £12.50) from Ocado

Sainsbury's Sauternes, Taste the Difference

A great example of Sauternes made from 100% Semillon. The dessert wine boasts flavours of white peach, honey and dried apricots. This is the perfect wine to have with (or as) dessert and is best served chilled.
Size: 375ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £12 from Sainsburys

Dordogne and surrounds

Dordogne is just to the East of Bordeaux and is a great option for a budget-friendly Bordeaux Blends - these wines will be made using the same grapes used in wine in Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Look out for wines from the AOC (this means Appelation Origine Controlee and is basically a legally defined area permitted to use certain labelling terms) Bergerac for classic dry red or white wines, and Monbazilliac for a sweet Sauternes dupe.

Try these:

Château Bel Air Bergerac Rouge 2020

A lovely blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc to bring a little bit more tannin structure to this red. Château Bel Air is a fourth generation family farm and is a great alternative to a red wine from Bordeaux. This wine is expressive with notes of both black and red fruit as well as hints of oak.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Stockist: £7.99 mix six price from Majestic

Château Combet Laroche Monbazillac

Monbazillac produces wine similar in style to Sauternes with slightly less lusciousness. This wine will pair well with a fruity dessert and has lovely flavours of honey, apricot and pear on the palette. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £7.99 from Lidl

South West France

From Bordeaux all the way South to the foothills of the Pyrenees on the Spanish border is categorised as South West France. The first region to discuss from this area is Cahors. The small region is slightly to the East of Bordeaux and is renowned for its Malbec. Although everyone now associates Malbec with Argentina, Cahors is actually the spiritual home of the grape! You can expect tannic red wines that are deep in colour with dark berry fruits of the nose. 

South of Cahors and Bordeaux is the Côtes de Gascogne. Wines labelled Côtes de Gascogne IGP will be dry white wines that are light in body made from the Ugni Blanc grape. Typical aromas on the nose and palate are crisp green apple with a hint of fresh zesty lemon.

Madiran is even further South and produces beautiful age-worthy Tannats. When young, this red can be quite harsh with intense acidity and tannins, but with some age can soften to reveal some red fruit such as raspberry as well as herbal notes such as thyme.

Last but not least is Jurançon at the foothills of the Pyrenees. Here dry and sweet whites are made from Petit Manseng. The wines have a beautiful high acidity with grapefruit and apricot on the nose. Sweet wines are made via the passerillage method (late harvest) and develop dried apricot and raisin aromas.

Try these:

La Patrie Cahors 

A single varietal Malbec is a staple pairing with a juicy steak (preferably with pepper sauce to complement the peppery notes in the wine). You can taste a beautiful combination of fruit such as blackberries and black currant with spicy notes of pepper and tobacco. You can also age this wine for up to three years to let it develop vegetal undertones and riper fruit flavours.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Stockist: £6 (down from £7) from Sainsburys

Sainsbury's Jurançon Sec, Taste the Difference

An amazing rich sweet wine made with Gros Manseng & Petit Manseng. Lovely aromas of fresh citrus (lemon and orange) with a floral hint of blossom. A great sweet treat and a great addition to your wine rack. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Stockist: £7 (down from £8) from Sainsburys

Burgundy

Here is the home of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. For higher acid, fresh and zingy Chards then try a white wine from Chablis. For a different style of Chardonnay showing more toasty oak aromas and more body, then try a white from the Mâconnais region of Burgundy. The region is further South than Chablis so the general climate is much warmer producing riper fruit aromas of apple and lemon. Wines often have a creamy quality from malolactic conversion. For excellent quality reds then go for a wine from the Côte de Nuit for the fullest bodied Pinots. The Côte de Beaune is further south and produces lighter bodied reds that are fruitier with hints of red cherry and redcurrant. Note that it is very common for the wines to be labelled after villages in Burgundy rather than the sub-regions such as Nuits-St-George, Gevrey-Chambertin or Pommard.

Try this:

Louis Jadot Macon - Villages

If you like your Chardonnay with a bit more weight and structure then this pick from the Maconnais is for you. There is a buttery creaminess to this wine that is balanced by zingy lemon notes and refreshing apple and pear. This is ideal to sip alongside a creamy pasta dish.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £11 from Morrisons

Beaujolais

Gamay is the most planted grape in the region of Beaujolais and is known for medium tannin, medium body/mouthfeel, and beautiful fragrant red fruits such as strawberry and raspberry. A traditional wine to try would be Beaujolais Nouveau. The wine is only released on the third Thursday of November directly after harvest and is meant for early drinking.The wine is light in body and tannin and has notes of red cherry, banana and cinnamon. More complex Beaujalais wines can be found from the crus (the highest “order” of wine) such as Brouilly, Fleurie, or Morgon.

Try these:

Les Iris Beaujolais

What a delightful red wine from the Les Iris winery. This lighter red is bursting with fresh red strawberries and red cherry. If you think red wine isn’t your jam, then try out this bottle and let us know your thoughts. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Stockist: £9 from Ocado

Henry Fessy Brouilly Beaujolais Cru, Burgundy

Stop what you are doing now and buy a bottle of this Cru wine while it is still in stock. The wine still showcases beautiful fresh wild strawberries, but with added herbal hints of thyme and vanilla. This is also a great comparison to really understand the different levels of Beaujalais quality.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £11.50 (down from £15!) from Ocado

Alsace

You can think of Alsace as an extension of Germany. It is situated on the border of Germany and France, and is sheltered from a lot of wind and rain by the Vosges Mountains. Wine production in Alsace is mainly focused on full bodied whites such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. You can expect an Alsace wine to be a high acid aromatic white wine.

Try this:

The Society’s Vin d’Alsace 2021

This benchmark Alsace wine is produced by the Hugel family vineyards for The Wine Society. This wine is a blend of grape varieties grown in the Alsace region such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Grigio. The flavour profile is extremely aromatic and has notes of lemon, peach, blossom and apple.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £9.95 from The Wine Society

Loire Valley

The Loire region of France is found running alongside the last 100km or so of the Loire river. It is a very geographically long and varied area with many different types of grape varieties and styles of wine. It is most well known for its Sauvignon Blanc. Definitely try one from the sub-regions of Pouilly-Fumé or Sancerre. This white will be high in acid, with lemon and lime on the palate and a lovely subtle smokiness if your bottle is from Pouilly-Fumé (fumé means smoky in French!) . If Sauvignon Blanc is not your preferred grape, then give the Chenin Blanc a try. The region of Vouvray makes both still and sparkling wine from this variety with different levels of sweetness, light to medium in body, and notes of green apple and melon. Reds are also produced, but in slightly lower quantity, and mainly consisting of Cabernet Franc or Gamay. Look for the region of St-Nicolas de Bourgueil for crunchy Cabernet Francs! Something to note is that you can get excellent quality sparkling wine from the Loire Valley. These wines will be labelled Crémant de Loire and are a cheaper option to Champagne.

Try these:

Tescos Finest Pouilly Fume

This Tesco option is a great example of the smoky flavour that Pouilly Fume is known for. Alongside the smoky notes, you can also taste refreshing gooseberry and lemon with a mineral finish.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £15 from Tesco

Morrisons The Best Vouvray

Vouvray is the spiritual home of Chenin Blanc so this pick is a must if you are wanting to know more about the grape. The wine is off-dry and has sweet honey notes as well as a refreshing apple finish.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £10 from Morrisons

Lacheteau Crémant de Loire Brut 

This pale fizz is great sparkling wine for a celebration! Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are used for the juice and add some fresh notes of pear and lemon to the classic biscuit and bread notes that we all know from Champagne. Remember to serve well-chilled (because no one likes warm bubbles).
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12
Stockist: £12.50 (down from £16) from Ocado

Rhône Valley

There is a clear distinction between Northern and Southern Rhône when it comes to wine styles and grape varieties.

Northern Rhône

The Northern Rhône makes single varietal wines (wines made from only one type of grape). The only permitted black grape variety in the Northern Rhône Valley is Syrah, so you can expect red wines to be deep in colour, medium to high tannins with black fruits such as blackberry and black cherry with hints of black pepper on the nose. Sometimes Viognier is added in small quantities to add an extra aromatic flare to the wine- this is up to the winemaker and their particular winemaking style. Look for crus such as Côte Rôtie, Saint-Joseph or Hermitage for some excellent reds. White wine is also produced, mainly using Viognier. The wines are full-bodied and beautifully perfumed with scents of apricots and blossom. The best whites come from Condrieu - an appellation that only permits viognier.

Try these:

Guigal Condrieu

The first thing to address with Condrieu is due to the small supply and the high demand, it does not come cheap. However the 35 quid for this bottle is definitely worth it (especially if you are a die hard Viognier fan). The stone fruit notes of peach and apricot are what first comes to mind when you take a sip, followed by a honey sweetness. Condrieu is also known for its low acidity and weighty velvet feel. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Stockist: £34.99 from Waitrose

Grande Classique Crozes Hermitage

This wine is 100% Syrah and you can tell! It’s a wonderful combo of blackberry and black cherry with spicy notes of pepper and liquorice that are softened by the oaky notes of vanilla and clove. Any meaty meal will benefit from this meaty red.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £15.99 from Waitrose

Southern Rhône

As we move down the valley to the Southern Rhône, the climate becomes warmer and the steep slopes begin to flatten. Here in the Southern Rhône there are ideal conditions to grow Grenache, Syrah and Mouvèdre as well as some Cinsault. The Southern Rhône is often referred to as the blenders paradise because together these 4 grapes (as well as many others that are also permitted) make beautiful red blends and some stunning fruity rosés. Due to the number of different winemaking techniques used in the area as well as all the different grape variety combinations available, wines can range from light to full bodied, low to high tannins, and more fruit-forward notes or more earthy vegetal aromas. For more early-drinking, fruit forward blends - look for a wine simply labelled “Côtes du Rhône”. For a wine that has a bit more complexity and will most likely benefit from age, then go for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, or Lirac as a more budget friendly option. Whites are usually textured and full-bodied, with lower acidity and made using Marsanne and Roussanne grape varietals.

Try this:

by Amazon Our Selection Cotes Du Rhone Villages

An excellent example of a Cotes Du Rhone blend and should be added to your Amazon cart asap! The juicy wine displays a fantastic bouquet of brambleberries, red cherry and subtle spice. With the added convenience of Amazon Prime next day delivery, what is there to fault?
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Stockist: £8.50 from Amazon

Languedoc and Rousillon

This is the generic appellation of the South of France that goes all the way from the Spanish border to Nîmes. Reds, whites and rosés are all produced in these regions. Reds are usually blends of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and some Mouvèdre. There isn’t a set style to describe this region due to all the different geographical elements, as well as winemaking styles and preferences. You can almost think of the Languedoc like a big melting pot of grapes. The most widely planted white grapes include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and some Viognier as well as the current trendy “lipstinger” grape Piquepoul used in Picpoul de Pinet.

Try these:

Chateau Pena Cotes Du Roussillon Villages

This extraordinary red wine is deep, dark and delicious. It is black fruit forward with notes of blackberry, blackcurrant and black cherry and a beautiful tobacco note due to the use of oak maturation. This wine will benefit with some age to help soften the tannins and bring out lovely notes of leather and forest floor. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Stockist: £10 from Ocado

Excellence de l'Ormarine 2021

This refreshing white is made using Piquepoul Blanc grapes. This high acidity is balanced by keeping the wine on the lees (the dead yeast cells) to bring some subtle biscuity notes. The wine is zesty with prominent flavours of lemon and acacia blossom on the palate. We all know the food-pairing rule of thumb: what grows together goes together - so open up a bottle of Excellence de l’Ormarine the next time you have seafood!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £14.19 from StrictlyWine

Provence

Provence has established an outstanding reputation for rosé. The majority of the wines are made largely with Grenache and some Cinsault. These pinks are beautifully pale in colour, light-bodied, with delicate notes of red fruits such as strawberry and raspberry. There are also some red wine producers, mainly in the sub-region of Bandol. These premium wines are made with Mouvèdre and are full-bodied, with high powerful tannins and need some age to display a beautiful combination of bramble and liquorice. If you are able to find a white wine from Provence, then it is most likely a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Rolle (an aromatic grape with high acidity).

Try these:

Mirabeau

If there was one wine to have on hand for all occasions, it would be Mirabeau Rosé. The beautiful pale pink wine is floral, fruity, and perfectly balanced. A sip of this will bring beautiful peach blossom, nectarine and melon to mind. This will be a hit at your next Friday wine night, Saturday barbeque or Sunday lunch (or when you need a mid-week pick-me-up!)
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £10 (down from £12) from Sainsburys

La Bastide, Bandol 

Obviously not everyone's first wine they think of when you say “Provence”, but a must-try nonetheless! The La Bastide is made using 100% Mouvedre and is deep, dark and delicious. This wine has notes of leather and earth from some age as well as spice and black fruit notes.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Stockist: £15.99 from Waitrose

Jura and Savoie

Nestled in the mountainous Eastern France are the regions of Jura and Savoie. These up and coming areas are producing some distinctive and eccentric wines that are great options to bring out at dinner parties to impress your friends. The most notable style would be the Vin Jaune (directly translating to yellow wine). This white wine is similar in style to a fino sherry (except for the fact that it is not a fortified wine), with similar dry taste and flavours of dried apricot and lemon. Vin Jaune is usually made with the Sauvignan grape.

Try these:

Domaine Jean Perrier & Fils 'Altus' 2020/21, Savoie

A light and refreshing low alcohol wine from the mountainous Savoie region. This citrus dominant bottle includes classic notes of lemon and hint of hawthorn with a mineral finish. Super refreshing (and great when you have just finished a long day of skiing).
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Stockist: £11.99 mix six price from Majestic

Champagne

Last but certainly not least, let's chat about the one and only Champagne. This is the most northern wine region of France. There are three grape varieties permitted to use in Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Blanc de Blancs champagne is made only using white grapes (ie: only Chardonnay) and is usually lighter in body with high acidity and hints of zestiness. Blanc de Noirs is made using black grapes (therefore Pinot Noir and/or Meunier). The grapes are pressed lightly and the juice is removed without any skin-contact, hence why the wine isn’t red! Champagne from Pinot Noir will have greater body and structure compared to the Blanc de Blancs.

Try these:

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut

A great high-quality champagne brut (ie: dry champagne style) at a brilliant price. This fizz has gorgeous toasty brioche notes and a lovely long finish for you to savour.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £14.99 from Aldi

Sainsbury's Blanc De Noirs Champagne, Taste the Difference

This elegant champagne is made using Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes. It has a lovely freshness thanks to the fruity notes and is rounded out by the toasty biscuit notes from the lees ageing that Champagne undergoes.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Stockist: £23.50 from Sainsburys

If you enjoyed reading this then make sure to check out our guide to the best English Sparkling wine from Kent or perhaps the Spanish region of Rueda is more up your street, if so, click here!

The UK’s First Urban Winery Has Now Got Its Own Vineyard

London Cru, the UK's first urban winery, has taken a bold leap forward by acquiring Foxhole Vineyard in West Sussex, situated just a stone's throw away from the renowned Bolney Estate. If you’re not familiar with London Cru, then let us recap their story so far because they’re doing some very exciting things in the world of UK wine.

Tucked away down a SW6 alleyway is an old Victorian warehouse. Once used for gin production, Cliff Roberson eyed it up for a new lease of life in 2013 and despite being in central London, it was to become the UK’s first urban winery. But that’s not the only thing making London Cru stand out…

With a focus on crafting top-quality still wines, London Cru sets itself apart from the rest of the UK's winemakers. While vineyards are sprouting up across the country and producing incredible fizz, few have this same unwavering dedication to still wines.

Whilst they have been using European grapes from the likes of Languedoc-Roussillon and Piedmont, this acquisition of Foxhole Vineyard lays down an ambitious marker as they aim to trail-blaze the quality and variety of still wines being produced in the UK – we love to see it!

Located less than 50 miles away from their urban winery, Foxhole Vineyard perfectly aligns with London Cru's innovative spirit. The vineyard boasts 20,000 vines, predominantly Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, accompanied by a small pocket of Bacchus. This idyllic vineyard, with its south-facing hillside offering stunning views of the South Downs, is a testament to London Cru's commitment to the mission.

By controlling every stage of production from grape to glass, London Cru and Head Winemaker Alex Hurley aims to create a homegrown and unique British winemaking experience to replicate English Sparkling Wine’s newfound place on the international stage.  Very exciting times indeed!

What Are The Best Wine Pairings for Fried Chicken?

Wine probably isn’t the first drink you think of when you think of fried chicken but those who’ve tried it know what a happy marriage it is. Fried chicken is cooked in different ways across the world, from Southern Fried style to Japanese Tempura style, and you can absolutely find the perfect wine for any fried chicken dish.

Sparkling wines effortlessly slice through oils and fats in the chicken, and those gorgeous bubbles refresh between each bite, but there are also still wines that work too! Let’s dive into the indulgent mix of fried chicken and wine...

CHAMPAGNE – for southern fried chicken

Les Pionniers Brut Champagne

A favourite of ours that we’ve mentioned on the podcast before, Champagne isn’t just for washing down the likes of caviar, it also goes incredibly well with fried chicken! You probably wouldn’t put this ‘high-low’ pairing together, but why the hell not, that’s what we say. Zesty acidity and fizzing bubbles cut through perfectly, and the brioche yeastiness pairs with the umami flavour nicely too. Fried chicken will carry intense flavours and spices, so don’t splash out on an expensive fizz – this Co-op sparkler (like most of their others) is incredibly good value with a gorgeous creamy structure.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £21.25

CAVA – for tempura style chicken

Sainsbury's Cava Brut

When it comes to pairing wine with fried chicken, there is absolutely no need to splash out. Good quality Cava is made using the same method as Champagne but instead used local grapes like Paradella, Macabeo and Xarel-lo. You’ll find it’s packed full of zesty citrus, with a more savoury and tropical-led profile than something like Champagne. Its fresh, fruity and fizzy vibrance cleanses the palate wonderfully setting you up for another delicious bite.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £6

PROSECCO – for spicier chicken

Graham Norton’s Own Prosecco DOC NV

Whether it’s buffalo wings, Nashville style, or Korean chicken, lots of fried chicken packs some heat, and so long as it’s not blow-your-head-off spice, bubbles with a touch of sweetness helps. Pick out a wonderfully light expression like this, and it’s gorgeously refreshing alongside a feast.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.2%
Find here: £12

RIESLING – for lighter chicken

Reichsrat von Buhl - Riesling Trocken 2021

We always look to off-dry Riesling when matching with difficult and intense dishes. Whatever the cuisine, Riesling is the reliable and adaptable all-rounder. Pick out a highly acidic and crisp German Riesling like this one to cut through grease and spice, providing bone-dry refreshment in between bites.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14.95

Sauvignon Blanc – for traditional fried chicken

Co-op Fairtrade Irresistible Sauvignon Blanc

Loved around the world, a glass of Sauvignon tends to be pretty food-friendly and works particularly well with classic fried chicken. Those signature zesty, savoury, and herbaceous notes mirror the food, emphasising the citrus and herbs in the seasoning. Robust acidity refreshes the palate too, making Sauvignon Blanc a fantastic bubble-free alternative.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.85

The right drinks accompaniment can truly make or break a meal, so check out other guides including Indian, Thai, Mexican and Sushi!

Is Lighter Rosé Better than Darker? With Recommendations!

What is Rosé?

Rosé sits somewhere between red and white wine, usually with red fruit flavours and notes of florality and citrus – though of course it varies! Celery, melon, rhubarb, they’re all common notes in Rosé too.

Where red wine ferments for weeks with red grape skins, Rosé only touches them for 2-20 hours. Thus, they are stained red but not completely! Any red grape can be used for this, but preferred varietals tend to be Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel. The main way Rosé is made is that during the maceration of the grapes, the skins from the red grapes sit within the juices and the longer they remain like that, the redder it becomes.

The less common method, the Saignée method, is to take the red wine-making process and bleed off a proportion of it before it’s had too much contact with the red grape skins. However, there is another way, and it’s probably the way most people assume it’s made…

It’s pretty much only the Champagne region that does this, but you can make Rosé by adding red wine into vats of white wine (usually only 5% red). They use reds from the south and whites from the north to create these blends of fine wine, but you’ll almost never find this method outside of Champagne.

Each winemaker can decide when to remove their wine from the red grape skins depending on what their aims are for the wine. But, with so many different shades of Rosé, is one better than the other?

Is lighter Rosé better than darker Rosé?

In a word, no. From super pale hues to salmon pink, right through to deep ruby, you will find quality Rosé throughout the Rosé rainbow. That’s not to say there isn’t a difference though. Generally speaking, lighter rosé is dryer and less sweet, whilst darker wines are sweeter and full-bodied – but this isn’t a hard and fast rule.

Several factors affect the colour. Some grapes used are simply darker than others, the time spent with the oak, and crucially, the amount of contact with the grape skins.

The idea that paler blends are better may have come about alongside the increased popularity of this dry Provence style, and the decreased interest in the old style, but with so much variation, you can’t judge a Rosé by the colour! You can by the taste however, and these are five examples that pass that particular test with flying pink colours!

5 bottles of Rosé to try

ARGENTINA

Susana Balbo Signature Rose 2019

Susana Balbo is an absolute legend of winemaking, becoming not just the first female winemaker in Argentina but creating one of the most respected wineries in the world. This Provencal-style Rosé has a terrific balance of zesty citrus and red berries, with a wonderfully elegant and delicate feel. The touch of acidity is very welcome too, and overall this is a seriously well-put-together, well-balanced Rosé.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £18.60

ITALY

Principato Pinot Grigio Rosato 2022

Italian Rosé, or ‘Rosato’ tends to provide fantastic value, case in point being this juicy and aromatic number from Lombardia. It’s noticeably crisp and refreshing, with delicious strawberry and white peach notes. Super drinkable with a moreish lightness, and perfect for those wanting to avoid overly sweet Rosé expressions.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.50

SPAIN

Bodegas Ameztoi Txakoli de Getaria Rubentis Rosado 2022

This Basque Rosé is made using two grapes you won’t often see in Rosé, a half-and-half mix of Hondarribi Beltza and Hondarribi Zuri. A tasty food-friendly expression, behind that inviting pale pink hue are aromas of ripe red fruit with a familiar combination of citrus and floral notes. The fresh and fruity palate opens up to some zippy acidity and pleasant minerality that really is delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £14.80

PORTUGAL

Titan of Douro Reserve Rosé 2019

Rich with mouth-watering sweet peach and cherry, the burst of lemon and tang of raspberry offsets wonderfully well. There is even a touch of smoke and warmth that comes through, but it retains a complete vibrance and freshness. If you want to taste something a little different to your usual Rosé then this is most certainly it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £16.93

FRANCE

Marcel Martin La Jaglerie Rosé d'Anjou 2021

Red fruits and florality flood the nose of this Cabernet Franc/Grolleau French Rosé, which for this price point is a must. Hailing from the Loire region, the balance of French rose, strawberries, raspberries, and even subtle pastry notes is in perfect harmony. A benchmark fresh, medium dry and smooth French Rosé that will never disappoint.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £9.49

Rosé in the sun is unbeatable stuff, but if you’re cutting out the booze then check out these Stunning No-Lo Drinks for Summer!

Sip on the Go: Our Favourite Canned Wines for Any Occasion

Only a few years back, wines in cans were not very good. In fact, with the exception of the odd G&T, RTD (ready-to-drink) products all felt like they were still in development., but then it all changed!

Now, don’t get us wrong, you can still get a bit of a surprise during that first sip, so we are here to separate out the great from the not quite there yet. The cans listed below are all ready-to-drink wines that you can take with you knowing that when the time comes to open them up, you’re getting bottle-like quality. Just pull the ring-pull and relax!

Vinca

If you love organic wine, then Vinca is most certainly the place to go. Vinca prides itself on being as environmentally friendly as possible and it achieves this by sourcing wine produced only from organic grapes meaning that the wine is sustainably produced, alongside using cans made from up to 73% recycled aluminium. There are three wines in the collection, a lovely Provencal style Sicilian Rosé, a crisp, citrusy white and a juicy red. Vinca also sells fun can-sized cool bags, so you’ll always be able to pour a chilled wine this summer.

Size: 187ml
ABV: 12.5%-13.5%
Price: £20 for 6 cans

Vin Du Can

Vin Du Can offers three still wines and one fizz in their tasty collection. On the still wine front, there is a fruity Argentinian Malbec brimming with juicy red fruits, a moreish Provençal rosé and a crisp, French Sauvignon Blanc that goes down a treat. Each can has a really cute design and all three wines are well judged, fruity and will make a very decent sip during your summer picnic!

Size: 187ml
ABV: 12%-13%
Price: £30-£35 for 12 (Also in Sainsbury’s)

Canned Wine Co

Until recently, the limited demand for canned wine has meant the industry hasn’t bothered venturing outside of the most popular varietals. However, with quality, reputation and demand on the up, Canned Wine Co are one such company providing interesting single varietal, vintage, carefully sourced premium wines. Their classic selection is great, but it is the barrel-aged Verdejo, St Laurent and Viognier that we really felt stood out. Nom! Oh, and also check out their beautifully designed National Gallery versions!

Size: 200ml-250ml
ABV: Various
Price: From £16.50 for 3 cans

Banks Brothers

These are quite honestly some of the best wines in a can we have ever tasted. Initially focusing on South African wine, they’ve now spread their wings with a very appealing and wide-ranging portfolio of wines. The Grenache Blanc and Mourvèdre are especially delicious, so try and get your hands on a mixed set. In terms of canned wine, you can imagine this as fine canned wine and once you taste it, you’ll see why. The two brothers that run it are restauranters determined to bring premium wine to the canned space and fighting wine snobbery at the same time - here here!

Size: 250ml
ABV: Various
Price: From £18 for 3 cans

Atelier Mirabeau Pret-porter rosé to go

We love Mirabeau’s releases across the board, and this is a perfect example of easy drinking Provençal pink. A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, all grown on sun-baked southern French clay and limestone soils for peak flavour. Ripe strawberries, juicy pear and jammy apricot flood the nose, and a fruity, crisp palate follow. Pair it with a strawberry tartlet at your next picnic and you won’t look back!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13%
Price: £3.49

Kiss of Wine

Kiss of Wine is a fun brand that’s made it their mission to source great wines from small, independent winemakers and then use simple language and design to decorate their cans. For example, you will find ‘smooth’ Loire Valley Chardonnay, ‘zesty’ German Riesling, ‘chill’ Provencal Grenache Rosé and ‘crisp’ Loire Sauvignon Blanc. We were very taken with the Nebbiolo (nicknamed ‘feisty’) and soft, rounded Dolcetto (‘wild’) – two grapes we never thought we’d see in a canned wine but we’re sure glad we’ve found them! Everything about it is likeable so give it a try!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 11.5%-15%
Price: £4.75-£5.95

Nice

Formed in 2019, Nice are a canned wine company that you might recognise. With their Sauvignon Blanc, Pale Rosé and Argentinian Malbec offering, they’ve become a recognisable and well respected brand in the space. The fruits feel light and natural whichever can you pick up, and as one of the mainstays on supermarket shelves, they’re a fantastic option representing great bang for buck. Check out the wine boxes on their website too!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 11.5%-12%
Price: £2.65

The Uncommon

Not just a delicious go to canned wine, but an English one too (possible one of the only ones?). Celebrating the renowned English fizz that has picked up so many awards in recent years, Uncommon offer bubbly pinot noir rosé and bubbly white wine (Bacchus/Chardonnay), as well as spritzers which at a much lower percentage combine the signature wines with gorgeous botanicals like rose, lemon verbena and hawthorn. We adore that beautiful packaging too.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 11.5% (Spritzers 5.5%)
Price: 8 for £30-£46

The copper Crew

More utterly charming cans here from The Copper Crew, two friends who were fed up of seeing good wine wasted in opened bottles. Their winemaker in South Africa provides their core wines; a luxurious Merlot, a Provence style Rosé, a racy Chenin Blanc, and a zesty Sauvignon Blanc. The mixed box is a great place to start if you’re unsure because the standard is super high across the range.

Size: 250ml
ABV: Various
Price: 6 for £24.99

Next time you’re packing for a picnic, train journey or whenever you just fancy a glass of delicious wine, how about making it a can? If it’s cocktails you’re after instead, make sure you check out The Best Ready To Drink Cocktails!