The Top Drinks For Your Eurovision Party 2024

It’s that time again. On Saturday 11th May, Malmö Arena will host the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 – home to the most flamboyant and often ridiculous performances of the year.

Broadcast across the world and watched by millions, it’s a massive event, and with so many different nations performing and so much to comment on, Eurovision parties remain wildly popular.

If you want to really commit to the theme, then a variety of globetrotting drinks is the way to go. We’ve taken a look at the current favourites to win and paired them up with a drink or cocktail from their nation. Let the show begin as we build up to the most likely winner…

UK: Dizzy by Olly Alexander

M&S Lark Song English Rosé

Okay, okay, so Olly Alexander isn’t quite in the Top 10 with the bookies, but he’s only just outside of it so we’re including him anyway! Most of you reading this will be from the UK so any of your favourite drinks produced here will suffice to celebrate, but if you want something special, then use this opportunity to try English Wine which is flourishing. British Sparkling Wine’s reputation is going from strength to strength. Balfour is a cracking winery, and their English Rosé is one half Pinot Noir, the other half Pinot Meunier, Regent and Chardonnay. It’s refreshingly dry, brimming with ripe redcurrants and carries a zesty sweetness with subtle tang. So elegant, and with a celebratory feel too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £14

Belgium: Before the Party’s Over by Mustii

Belgian Fruit Beer – Lindemans Kriek

We think that when Belgium comes around, you can’t look beyond Belgian Beer. There are so many to pick from, so go with a traditional Belgian brew that piques your interest. Duvel is their most famous, but we’re going to recommend something they specialise in – fruit beers, like Lindemans Kriek. It’s a low ABV (handy if you’re drinking for every country!) cherry beer, full of intense, tart and of course sweet fruity flavour.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 3.5%
Find here: £2.05

Norway: Ulveham by Gåte

Nuet Dry Aquavit

The national drink of Norway and very popular across wider Scandinavia, Aquavit is a flavoured liquor that’s been around since the 1400s. It’s very popular around Christmastime, and its name comes from the Latin for ‘water of life’. Usually, it’s distilled with potatoes and then mixed with a variety of herbs and spices – this Nuet Dry focuses on warming caraway, liquorice sweetness and refreshing citrus and blackberries. Skål!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.18

Ireland: Doomsday Blue by Bambie Thug

The Gaelic Flip

Sweden tied Ireland for most wins with 7 after their 2023 victory, so you can never rule Ireland out. There are so many drinks you could include to represent Ireland. A pint of Guinness of course, Irish Coffee (especially if they perform towards the end) or any number of Irish whiskies, but we’re going for a Gaelic Flip. The soft, rich fruits of Irish whiskey work so well in a flip and this cocktail is luxurious, soft, delicately spicy, and sweet. You could include Bailey’s too for even more indulgence.

Ingredients
50ml Irish whiskey
25ml sweet vermouth
15ml syrup
1tsp allspice liqueur
1 egg
Nutmeg (garnish)

Method
Dry shake all ingredients first to generate the lovely pillow of foam in the final serve. Add ice and repeat until everything is nicely chilled and mix. Strain into a cocktail glass and finish with some aromatic grated nutmeg. It’s a winner.

France: Mon Amour by Slimane

Kir Royale

Where to start with French drinks? So many options! Champagne may be a too expensive if you’re buying drinks for multiple countries. Pastis is their lesser-known national spirit but it’s aniseed again and quite niche. Wine is always an option but there’s so many to pick. We’ve gone for an iconic French cocktail – the Kir Royale. It’s a simple but sophisticated mix of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and Champagne, but Crémant will do just fine!

Ingredients
1 tbsp crème de cassis
Champagne/Crémant
Blackberry or raspberry (optional garnish)

Method
Liqueur first with this cocktail, before topping up your Champagne flute to the top with your fizz. A blackberry or raspberry garnish is a must, and that’s it – a simple but delicious serve.

Netherlands: Europapa by Joost Klein

Jenever - Ketel 1 Graanjenever

Jenever is a really interesting spirit. It’s made from juniper, in fact it’s a literal translation, so it’s got similarities with gin regarding its botanicals and transparency. However, it’s also triple distilled and tastes somewhat malty, so overlaps with whisky too. Its roots go back to the 15th century, but it received its AOC in 2008 meaning it’s strictly regulated now. Ketel are now known for their vodka, but originally jenever was their game and this rich spiced fruits number is well worth picking up.

Size: 1L
ABV: 35%
Find here: £27.35

Ukraine: Teresa & Maria by alyona alyona & Jerry Heil

Dima’s Vodka

We think Ukraine’s performance is a good opportunity to try out some quality vodka. It’s a massive part of the country’s culture and we’re big fans of Dima’s. It’s made from a barley, wheat and rye blend and has a velvety smooth mouthfeel. A touch of vanilla and spice liven things up and this would be amazing in a Dirty Martini with the saltiness of the pickle.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35

Italy: La Noia by Angelina Mango

Negroni

The most popular Italian cocktail using their most loved aperitif Campari – the classic Negroni. It’s easy to remember as a 1:1:1 split of your favourite gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. There’s a lot of bitter complexity with many different botanicals, herbs, sweet and fruity notes. It’ll be a nice bitter break between many other drinks too.

Ingredients
25ml gin
25ml sweet vermouth
25ml Campari
Orange slice for garnish

Method
Add ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass. Add large ice cubes and garnish with a slice of orange.

Croatia: Rim Tom Tagi Dim by Baby Lasagna

Pelinkovac

Pelinkovac has been part of Croatia’s history for centuries, even making its way all the way over into the court of Napoleon III of France! Wormwood is the key ingredient here, best known for its use in absinthe, and it’s accompanied by a selection of aromatic herbs. It’s completely unique but if you imagine Jägermeister then it’s not a million miles away. You can make cocktails or highballs with it but try it chilled with lots of ice and a slice of lemon.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 28%
Find here: £24.29

Switzerland: The Code by Nemo

The Green Fairy

Absinthe is an often misunderstood spirit, so why not use Eurovision to get to know it? It’s a very boozy spirit that actually originated in Switzerland, hence the alpine feel of the anise, wormwood, fennel, and other herbs. It’s best enjoyed in a cocktail, and we think a Green Fairy suits a Eurovision Party; it’s a kind of absinthe sour with silky egg, bright lemon, and complex herbal notes. For other cocktails or absinthe recommendations, go here!

Ingredients
25ml Absinthe
25ml lemon juice
25ml chilled water
10ml Sugar syrup
1 dash angostura bitters
1 egg white (or 15ml aquafaba)
Lemon peel to garnish

Method
Add all the ingredients to a mixer and dry shake (no ice). Then, add ice and wet shake. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and enjoy! Garnish with lemon peel.

If you want more drinks to celebrate each Eurovision nation, then we’ve got a few others from last year here!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Sainsbury’s May/June 2024

Sainsbury’s shoppers and wine lovers, we’re back with some offers you cannot miss. We’ve been through every bottle on offer until the 6th June, and this is the cream of the crop when it comes to undeniable value. Reds, Rosé and Whites, and almost all for under £10. Let’s dive in.

Sainsbury’s Red Wines May/June 2024

Santodeno Sangiovese Appassimento

We love this Emilia-Romagna Sangiovese because it’s one of the best value reds in any supermarket. The grapes are hand-picked before being slow-dried enhancing the jammy richness. With intense blackberry, cherry, and vanilla, it’s such easy drinking liquid but with a great vein of acidity. Midweek Italian? Perfect.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Greasy Fingers Luscious Red

Forever popular, this is a moreish mix of Ozzy Shiraz and Grenache. The former fills out the expression with characterful rich fruits and the latter brings that signature sweetness. Luscious is the name, luscious is the game.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

Bosman Nero

This is 100% Nero d’Avola from Wellington, South Africa that has sprung from just two surviving Sicilian cuttings in 2004. It packs a lot of juicy cranberries and strawberries for a light-bodied red and a lovely kiss of clean spice. The modern feel is very elegant and makes for extremely easy drinking.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10 (usually £11.50)

Sainsbury’s Rosé Wines May May/June 2024

Castillo De Ibiza Rosé

This seductive curvaceous bottle sets high expectations and more importantly meets them. A Spanish salmon pink Garnacha and Tempranillo Rosé, it’s much tarter and more refreshing than most pink pours. Expect cutting citrus and palate cleansing minerality, with a fainter kiss of strawberry.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10 (usually £12.50)

Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Île-de-Beauté Rosé

One of our favourite offers, this is such a loveable blend of Niellucciu, Sciaccarellu, Grenache, Vermentinu and Syrah. It’s a dry Corsica Rosé with a floral bouquet, ripe berries palate and fleshy stone fruits. A gentle crack of pink pepper provides a nice tingle on the finish too. If you just stick to reds and whites, try this.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Berne Inspiration Côtes de Provence

Something a touch pricier now, but still punching above its price point at £15. It’s a Château de Berne blend Grenache supported by Cinsault and Syrah, and a masterful showcase for this style. Strawberry ice cream comes to mind with citrus undertones and subtle melon. The length is really impressive too and the dryness makes so easy to keep coming back.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £15 (usually £17)

Sainsbury’s White Wines May/June 2024

Sainsbury's Riverblock Marlborough Sauvignon, Taste the Difference

Marlborough Sauvignon lovers, listen up. There are so many to pick from these days but we don’t think you’ll be disappointed by this. The freshness is impactful off the bat, with a mineral cleanliness to the palate. But this is no wallflower, because the zesty tropical notes and big body can stand up to hearty dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Rocca Murer Pinot Grigio Trentino

This Trentino wine stands out from your run of the mill Pinot Grigios with some curious mineral notes and surprising complexity. It’s crisp with light citrus, ripe peach, and intriguing grassy notes. It’s such an easy-going, lightweight ride that it would be a dream with vegetarian and fish dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

Sainsbury's Jurançon Sec, Taste the Difference

In the sun-coated foothills of the Pyrenees is Jurançon, known for its unique, indigenous grapes like the Gros and Petit Manseng used here. What you’ll usually find is that these are towards the sweeter end, and though this does bring some tangerine sweetness, it’s far zestier and drier than you expect – a nice surprise. It’s very distinct and refreshing, so if you want to try something different this is a good bet.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.50 (usually £9)

Sturmwolken Riesling

Striking bottle this. It’s an off-dry Riesling with generous zesty vibrance – most notably lime. The tang of grapefruit and interesting minerality of stone fruits wash away any sweetness that rears its head, with good acidity making this a winner for spicy dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7 (usually £8)

*The bottles featured underneath are no longer available as deals this month!*

Sainsbury’s Red Wines May 2024

Feuerheerd's Anchor Wine Reserva Douro DOC

This is a refined Portuguese red hailing from the heart of Douro. When you’re sipping it, you’ll wonder how they get so much spicy depth and rich back fruits. The answer is a year of Vintage Port finishing. Bold but perfectly nuanced. For a tenner, wow.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £11.50)

Santodeno Negroamaro

This inky red began life at the sunny heel of Italy’s boot, making great use of the ‘bitter black’ grape. The result is intense richness and dark fruits galore – plum, blackberry and blackcurrant. There’s a welcome touch of oaky spice rounding things off too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Mucho Mas Vino Tinto

We love spotting this in offer. For just £7, it’s an absolute bargain. Mucho Mas remain family-owned, despite expansion, and this Spanish red is one of their best value bottles. It’s as red as red gets, with ripe, jammy berries sliding into bright fig and plum. Add a crack of black pepper and vanilla undertone, and you’ve got one hell of an easy-drinking glugger.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.50)

Wise Wolf Cabernet Sauvignon

Off the bat, Wise Wolf stands out for their stumpy bottle made from 100% recycled glass. It looks more like posh olive oil than wine, but we like it. Inside, we’ve got Languedoc-Roussilon Red. It’s oaky and brimming with black fruit flavours on the nose and in the mouth. It isn’t overly dry either. Great with steak, but let it breathe for an hour before enjoying.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £12)

Sainsbury’s Rosé Wines May 2024

Silver Moki Sauvignon Blush

Think Rosé is all too sweet? Try this. The crisp Sauvignon Blanc really shines, bringing razor sharp citrus. Softening that is juicy peach and subtly sweet strawberry, but both much milder than most Rosé blends. Sophisticated and punches well above its price point.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon

What a lovely light Rosé this is. It pours such a delicate and seductive pale pink, with strawberries and raspberries hitting the nose. Kiwis join the red berries after the first sip, as well as grapefruit tang. Refreshing, sweet where it needs to be, and citrus to cut through – hard not to like.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Sainsbury’s White Wines May 2024

Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

There’s a lot of competition in the Marlborough Sauvignon space at the moment, so gems like this are a godsend. The crispness is super intense with overwhelming refreshment. Beyond that, a tropical tang breaks through as well as a luxuriously smooth mouthfeel. Pair with seafood and enjoy.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

19 Crimes Chard

19 Crimes are a source of top-notch value across the board. Their Chard brings a rich quality to the stone fruit notes present, but what we think you’ll love most about it is the creamy, full boy with plenty of butter. Opulent Ozzy white.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £9.50)

Sainsbury's New Zealand Pinot Gris, Taste the Difference

Sainsbury’s’ Taste the Difference range is quite a rich vein for bargains like this New Zealand Pinot Gris. It’s medium dry, mellow, and fruit-forward – think peach and melon. The classic Marlborough steely minerality is present too, leaving a clean feel that’s absolutely gorgeous.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Barone Montalto Grillo Sicilia DOC

Barone Montalto is a lovely Sicilian winery, and this is their 100% Grillo. The up-front citrus is impossible to ignore, but that soon dies down in favour of big, bold tropical sweetness. Flecks of green apple come and go too. Relaxed, honeyed and with nice weight.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.25 (usually £8)

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Other Great Discounts Worth Checking Out:

RED WINE:

The Wanderer Malbec – Was £12.50 Now £10
Barossa Ink Shiraz– Was £11 Now £9
Terre di Faiano Organic Nero di Troia – Was £9.50 Now £8

WHITE WINE:

Yealands Sauvignon Blanc– Was £10 .50 Now £8
Villa Maria Cellar Sauvignon Blanc– Was £13 Now £11
DV Catena Chardonnay– Was £13 Now £11

ROSÉ WINE:

Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé– Was £19 Now £17
Madame F Rosé– Was £9.50 Now £8

8 Tannat Wines You Need to Try

Too many people are sleeping on Tannat wine, and we’re on a mission to change that! Don’t worry! Tannat grapes are (literally) thick-skinned and can handle being overlooked, because those that do venture into their world will be greeted with bombastically bold, deep reds ranging right through to surprisingly subtle offerings from this dynamic grape variety. Tannat wine has close to the highest antioxidant count of all red wines which, in our opinion, makes it about as healthy as a wine can be. Don’t know where to start? Take the plunge with these eight amazing Tannat wines: 

Garzón Tannat 2021

Just off the Atlantic coast of Uruguay you’ll find the vineyards of Bodega Garzon. Uruguay is a powerhouse in the Tannat wine world, being their national grape and source of great pride - Garzon Tannat 2021 is a phenomenal example of the nation’s finest wine, resting in French oak barrels for a whole year to produce a full bodied wine full of spiced berry and chocolate notes on the palate. This fantastic example is a great Tannat wine to start your journey with, if you’ve never tried one before. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Country: Uruguay
Find here: £21.95

Colomé `Lote Especial` Tannat 2021

This award winning Argentinian wine is literally full of surprises, and requires proper aeration to unlock its full aromatic potential - this isn’t uncommon of Tannat wines, but this wine shines with just how much can be woken in terms of fruit, spice and a luscious mouth feel to boot. With its pitch black colour and decadent palate, this wine is also certified vegan! A fantastic option for those looking for a high quality Tannat wine without completely breaking the bank.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Country: Argentina 
Find here: £22.50

Domaine Berthoumieu Madiran - “Cuvee Charles de Batz” 2017

As dense in tannins as it is rich forest fruits and raisins, this Tannat wine offering is perfect for lovers of intense, rich purple wines. The nose provides oak notes from the barrel that linger right through to the finish. Looking for a perfect wine for steak night? Look no further than this exceptional bottle. Tannat wines thrive in their village estate in Viella, where wines are known for their incredible character. Cuvee Charles De Batz is a tremendous example among an already fantastic output.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Country: France
Find here: £23.20

Jeandauge Pistache Rouge

Some wines just scream date night and Jeandauge Pistache Rouge is one of those wines! Everything from the beautiful, romantic modern labelling down to the fruity, liquorice notes. This wine is here for a good time! Boasting all the complexities one can expect from the exceptional wines of South West France - this is a wine to impress, but doesn’t skimp on the flavours and dares to be fun! This wine ages for a year in a barrel, and then an extra ten months in concrete - like all good things, a labour of love and patience.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.3%
Country: France
Find here: £27.45

Bodegas Garzón Single Vineyard 2020 Bottle

The Garzon region of Uruguay is known for its unique terrain that provides almost the perfect conditions with which to grow Tannat grapes, so it is no surprise that many exceptional wines are produced in this region! This single vineyard bottle is brimming with fruit and spices on the nose, and all the rich tannins you’ve come to expect from the best Tannat wines on the palate. This is wine for a special occasion, for sure, but also a wine that the drinking of is, in and of itself, a special occasion. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Country: Uruguay
Find here: £33.75

Folklore Tinto 2022

A Tannat wine that has been “kissed” with Petit Manseng grapes, creating a unique flavour profile and process of creation. Tannat is a powerful grape with rich flavour, and many distillers look to add complexity to their wines through co-pigmentation. This all sounds scary, but it can be broken down into this wine is super delicious. Attention to detail in the hand picked grapes makes this wine standout with notes of sour cherry and plum, lemon zest and herbs. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Country: Uruguay
Find here: £16.50

Madiran Grevieres 2017 (Blend)

Proof that wine doesn’t have to break the bank in order to be delightfully high quality! Tannat is a versatile grape, and the already infinite combinations of flavours are only expanded when we delve into the world of Tannat dominated blends. This is the case of Madiran Grevieres 2017, which is a primarily Tannat wine, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to give this wine a plump, juicy finish and plenty of spice on the palate. The region of Madiran has a unique terrain that uniquely suits it to produce excellent Tannat wines. If that wasn’t enough, it’s aged for 12 months in new and old oak barrels! A true labour of love and one not to be missed. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Country: France
Find here: £15.49

Château de Sabazan 2018 (Blend)

Straight in the heart of the mediaeval village of Sabazan, thousands of winegrowers subscribe to a means of production centred on respect for the terroir and their peers. The vineyard producing this wine sits around a 15th century building, and the unique soil grows an abundance of big bold Tannat grapes with which to produce their world-class wines. This elegant offering is rich, warming and full bodied with a deep structure of tannins. Another fantastic budget example - what are you waiting for?

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Country: France 
Find here: £16.50

The spirits and wines produced by grapes are endless and ongoing, want to learn about something different? How about Pisco? The national spirit of Peru and Chile, boasting a wide berth of grape varietals. 

By Miley Kendrick

Weird Food and Drinks Pairings That Taste Great

Everyone loves a good drink that pairs perfectly with their meal, whether in a restaurant or at home. The standard choice of familiar wine with a meal is a wise one, as you are presented with complexity and depth in flavour straight from the bottle, however, there is a whole world of more unexpected pairings that are well worth exploring. 

The act of pairing food and drink together is as much a science as it is an art. There are set recipes of which kinds of drinks pair well with which kinds of food. However, there are ways to be creative within these rules! You can follow the route of complimentary flavours, for example, pairing the salty sweetness of oysters with a high salinity single malt whisky such as Talisker 10-Year-Old, or use the method of contrasting flavours, that when paired together give a well-rounded flavour profile hitting all those flavours - salty, sweet, bitter, acidity, umami and spice.

The pairings we will be looking at in this article may be outside your usual recommendations but hopefully expand your horizons of dreamy food and beverage pairings!

SUBCONTINENTAL BARBECUE + BLANC DE BLANC CHAMPAGNE

Going to a subcontinental barbecue restaurant is almost a parallel experience to going out for tapas. With an array of dishes for the table rather than a dish per person, dish-specific pairings become nearly impossible and we must look at a common theme between all the food at the table. In this scenario, the predominant flavours are the spice blends used, the tang of the yoghurt marination, and the smoke from the fire of the barbecue. These flavours hit the mark with salt (seasonings), bitter (charcoal fire cooked), umami (meats and spinach), and obviously, spice from the spices, meaning we are left without sweetness and acidity.

Suggesting champagne to bring sweetness to a pairing might sound bizarre, but the buttery brioche notes of a 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blanc contrast with the heat and slight bitterness of the fire-cooked spread bringing an implied sweetness that refreshes the palate and tempers the spice, despite the crisp carbonation. The bright fresh orchard fruit flavours of granny smith apples and stone fruits such as peach bring forth another dimension of sweetness while also offering a sharp malic acidity that rounds out a divine pairing that may seem sacrilegious to some.

Nicolas Feuillatte Blanc de Blancs

The next time you fancy going to your local BYOB curry house, we recommend bringing along a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Blanc de Blancs for something cheap and cheerful with no compromise on quality.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £36.99

Champagne PIAFF Blanc de Blancs NV

If you are celebrating an occasion and want to have a brilliant bottle of bubbles to match, we recommend Champagne PIAFF Blanc de Blancs NV from Amathus Wines!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £69.30

NEW YORK CHEESECAKE + A FRENCH 75

You are out for dinner and have enjoyed your meal over a brilliantly paired bottle of wine with company, and your waiter brings over the dessert menu which contains an incredible-sounding New York-style cheesecake. The only problem is, you feel a little wined out and a full glass seems a little bit too much. Look no further than the most famous Champagne cocktail on the planet!

This pairing looks at complimentary flavours of sweet, acid, and salt. A tangy, sweet cheesecake with a salty-sweet biscuit base is elevated by the botanicals of the gin (ideally a citrus-forward London dry-style gin). The lemon juice boosts the presence of the lactic acidity from the cream cheese, and the champagne with notes of citrus, nuts, and fresh fruits such as peaches, apricots, and pears can even be used in place of garnishing the cheesecake with fresh fruits. The buttery, nutty notes of the champagne interact with the biscuit base in a way that simply sets up the pairing for success!

If you happen to have a cheesecake at home with no gin or lemons, or even if you are feeling cocktailed out, high-acid Champagne will even do the trick in a pinch!

CRAB + AMONTILLADO SHERRY

If you, like myself, are a lover of the fruits of the sea, this pairing is not one to miss! The sweet sea-salty flavours of crab find a surprising match with the nutty dryness of Amontillado sherry.

The pairing I experienced was at Hawksmoor’s beautiful Edinburgh location; their Eyemouth crab on toast was paired with the iconic Lustau Bodega’s Amontillado Sherry. The pairing, however, will work in more than this format. This sherry works incredibly well with a spicy crab fried rice or even a crab cake.

The aromatic notes of the sherry, of hazelnuts, and a mix of fresh and dried herbs season the crab as you sip and bite in conjunction, while the whisper of tobacco on the back palette of the sherry works even more wonders if your plate of crab has been cooked on the grill. It’s not just the sherry that elevates the crab either, as the natural salty-sweet profile of the crab acts as a flavour enhancer making all the nutty, raising flavours of the sherry sing even louder. Truly a pairing that reminds me why I love food and drink.

Lustau Amontillado Sherry

Size: 750ml
ABV: 18.5%
Find here: £26.50

GORDAL OLIVES + CREME DE CACAO BLANC

This savoury sweet pairing is light on the booze and the budget, and is perfect for a summertime post-lunch, pre-dinner snack!

Gordal olives have a meaty texture, with a nice crunch. Their sharp acidity and short finish of chilli spice and seaweed brinyness make an incredible pairing when contrasted by the soft, and delicately layered Creme de Cacao White from Gabriel Boudier. The liqueur has a very delicate nose reminiscent of a more “masculine” cologne that has started to fade with notes of sandalwood, white chocolate, cacao, dark roasted coffee beans, and orchard fruits. On the palate, however, you are hit with a wave of rich white and milk chocolates, followed by heavy cream and hints of red fruit such as strawberries and cherries, before a long buttery finish reminiscent of good vanilla ice cream.

Olives are great on their own, but this pairing truly does end up greater than the sum of its parts. As these two potent flavours fight for the spotlight, they end up enhancing each other and result in a pairing that is light on the stomach yet still jam-packed full of flavour!

Gabriel Boudier Creme De Cacao

Size: 500ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £16.99

NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN + LISTAN BLANCO

It’s a difficult thing to not love fried chicken. It’s equally difficult to not love a crisp cold glass of white wine, although usually not in conjunction. This pairing makes the exception to this rule as they contrast against each other beautifully.

Nashville Hot and Listan Blanco are not the most popular forms of their base products, as they each bring a signature flavour characteristic that falls under the love-it-or-hate-it category. Nashville Hot is, well, very hot, as the hot oil used to fry the chicken is then poured over cayenne, chile, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, salt, and sugar to form a chilli oil that the chicken is then drenched in.

On the other side of the coin, Listan Blanco has a very sulfurous quality. With fresh-struck matchstick on the nose, alongside curry powder aromatics and a strong minerality that reminds you of bathing in a mud bath. The palate lends itself to being savoury and mineral-forward, with flavours of fresh citrus zest which allows the floral quality of the chilies in the chili oil. The savoury funk of the wine also tempers the spice of the wine and allows more sweetness to come through.

When paired together, these two somewhat polarising forms of long-standing beloved classics become infinitely more approachable as their unique qualities come together for a bite with tempered spice and a sip with tamed sulphur notes.

If you cannot find Listan Blanco on the shelves of your local supermarket or bottle shop, we commend Borja Perez Viticultor, Listan Blanco, Artifice, 2019 from the Justerini & Brooks portfolio.

Listan Blanco

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £19.40

By Fowwaz Ansari

Five English Bacchus to Try This Spring

Image credit: Will Wong

Most wine drinkers know Sauvignon Blanc, but what about Bacchus? He was the Roman god of wine and vegetation, who showed mortals how to cultivate grapevines and make wine. Humanity then took at least three millennia to honour his immortal legacy, by naming a hybrid grape after him.

The modern Bacchus grape was born in 1933 when viticulturists Peter Morio and Bernhard Husfeld crossed the Silvaner-Riesling with Müller-Thurgau grapes at the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding (now consolidated into the Julius Kühn-Institut, the German Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants) in The Pfalz. The hybrid infant was christened as “Geilweilerhof (Gf) 32-29-133”. However, it was not until 1972 that the German authorities approved it for general cultivation; with its divine rebirth to becoming Bacchus. 

As an early ripening grape, Bacchus does not always achieve high enough acidity to make a single varietal wine in its native Germany. It is often used for blending into Müller-Thurgau, to give the latter more flavour. 

With the cooler climate in England, Bacchus grapes are able to retain higher acidity with lower yield. These conditions result in higher quality wines in a style somewhere between premium French and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It is no surprise that Bacchus is increasingly hailed as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. It is now also the fourth most planted grape in the UK after Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the grapes used in making traditional method sparkling wines.

How does Bacchus taste?

The Bacchus grape is often associated with key aromas of hedgerow, elderflower and pear. Some believe that the floral characters of the grape could be more akin to that of its parent, Riesling. 

In the last decade, English winemakers have been experimenting and pushing boundaries with varying styles of Bacchus such as the five examples below. They range from light, floral and zesty, to gooseberry and cut-grass flavours and then the lightly oaked-aged Kit’s Coty Bacchus from Chapel Down, the largest wine producer in England.

What Food Goes with Bacchus?

The aromatic delicate notes and high acidity pair well with Thai green curry, and Vietnamese cuisine, as long as there is no fiery chilli to overpower the wine.

A more traditional pairing would be fresh seafood, or spring vegetables such as English asparagus in season now. You could also serve Bacchus as an apéritif (still or sparkling) with accompanying canapés.

With a little bottle age, preferably under three years, it becomes more gastronomic. Try it with smoked trout, aubergine moussaka, or goat’s cheese.

We now take a tour around southeast England where these five Bacchus are produced, from Essex to Kent and Surrey…

What Bacchus Should I Try?

Tuffon Hall Single Estate Bacchus Amelie 2022, North Essex

Image credit: Will Wong

Angus and Pod Crowther have been running their hundred-year old family farm and vineyard since 2014. Indeed, this very wine is named after their first daughter. It recently won the local conservation farm prize and then the equivalent for the whole of Essex, one of England’s biggest counties. Sustainability is at the heart of their business practices. 

If you are new to Bacchus, the Tuffon Hall is an ideal introduction to a grape that is no poor cousin to Sauvignon Blanc. Cut-grass, asparagus and lemon on the nose. On the palate, there is generous lemon rind and grapefruit with crisp acidity. As the temperature of your wine rises in the glass, its flinty minerality begins to shine with a long finish so best served between 12-14ºC, and not straight out of the fridge.

It pairs well with fresh or smoked seafood. Oysters, crab, prawns, scallops and fresh salmon all work. Try spring vegetables such as English asparagus and broad beans as well as creamy goats cheese.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £15.99

New Hall Wine Estate Single Estate Bacchus 2022, Crouch Valley, Essex

Image credit: Will Wong

In 1969, the first vines were planted at New Hall Farm by Bill and Sheila Greenwood. Two years later in 1971, the first New Hall Vintage was produced from just over 30kg of fruit.  The wine was made and bottled by Mrs Greenwood in her kitchen - a total of 18 bottles.

Today, New Hall is still family-run under the stewardship of Chris Trembath, keeping it within the Greenwood family with Chris’s daughter Becki as General Manager since 2016. She is now the third generation of the family to be working at the vineyard.

Made by the same former head winemaker for the above Tuffon Hall, Steve Gillham created a very different style here. Still very pale and grassy, this Bacchus is more intense with a big personality on the first sip. The grapefruit then comes through with a flinty and steely finish. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £16.50

Yotes Court ‘On the Nod’ Bacchus 2021, Mereworth, Kent

Image credit: Will Wong

Yotes Court is much more than just a vineyard. It boasts an English Heritage Grade 1 listed property originally built for James Masters in 1656, nestled in 20 acres of gardens. It fell into disrepair over time and in 2008, the new owner Susannah Ricci poured her heart and soul into restoring the main house to its former glory, and transformed the other buildings on the Estate: The Clockhouse, Granary and Garden Cottage, which are all Grade 2* listed buildings. 

At 140m above sea level, a former apricot orchard has become one of the highest vineyard block in England. In the early years the fruit was grown exclusively for one of the UK’s leading still and sparkling wine producers, Chapel Down, with 60 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes harvested annually for their Traditional Method sparkling wines. In 2018, Susannah decided to expand the area under vines and planted a further 10 acres with a view to crafting wines under the Yotes Court brand. Their wines are made in collaboration with Defined Wine Ltd outside Canterbury under the guidance of winemaker Nick Lane.

2021 was only the second Bacchus vintage for Yotes Court Vineyard, with 11,000 bottles released. This very vintage was served on board Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class in June 2023, to celebrate English Wine Week. Compared with Tuffon Hall and New Hall above, this has a much more restrained gooseberry nose and on the palate, it’s all Granny Smith apples followed by pink grapefruit once the wine has had a chance to open up in your glass. Zesty with crisp acidity. Balanced and complex. No need to shout.

So again, avoid serving straight out of the fridge. Take the chilled bottle out 20 minutes ahead and you can keep it cool later. It’s perfect with asparagus and it stood up well against mature cheddar which was a surprise. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £17

Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Bacchus, Single Vineyard, North Downs, Kent

Image credit: Will Wong

A premium flagship produce from England’s largest wine producer in both sparkling and still wines. Chapel Down is the Official Sparkling Wine of the England & Wales Cricket Board, as well as the Official English Sparkling Wine of Ascot Racecourse and the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race. They are also Official Supplier to the London Stock Exchange.

The only lightly oaked Bacchus amongst the five, the Kit’s Coty is an understated and refined gem waiting to be discovered. The nose is subtle and restrained. It definitely is not a copycat of Sauvignon. On the palate, crisp acidity is balanced with green apples and elderflower. 

An elegant and delicate gastronomic wine that pairs well with sushi, but go easy on the wasabi in your soy sauce. Lightly dressed salad also works but avoid vinaigrette dressing or lemon juice that could overpower this wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £30

Litmus Orange Bacchus 2022, Dorking Surrey

Image credit: Will Wong

Probably the only English Bacchus made from six weeks of skin contact with no added sulphur during fermentation. This historic method of winemaking has become once again en vogue in recent years with the Pét-Nat and natural wine following. 

Despite it being labelled as an orange or amber wine, it is pale lemon in the glass. It has a pronounced herbaceous nose, with a grassy undertone. Bone dry on the palate, with a gripping astringency due to the tannins from prolonged skin contact, it is one of a kind. If you like dry rosé, this could make an interesting alternative.

This orange Bacchus with notes of fennel is a little reminiscent of contemporary Greek retsina. Its bold flavour is able to stand up to oily meat or fish. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £20

Why Bacchus?

England made headlines with outstanding sparkling wines that rival some of the best Champagnes. And now with the warmer climate, the quality and quantity of still wines such as Bacchus are on the rise. 

If you are a fan of the steely Pouilly-Fumé or Sancerre from the Loire in France, or the aromatic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, it is really worth trying English Bacchus that share some of the citrusy and herbaceous characteristics. It is an understated grape that awaits your discovery and appreciation; with lower carbon footprint too.

If you are based in the UK, why not visit your favourite producers this spring and summer? Many have cellar doors and tasting rooms, with open days and guided tours for you to learn more about the people and places behind their labels. Go explore!

By Will Wong

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose April/May 2024

Shoppers of Waitrose, listen up. April and May have some incredible wine bargains including Rosé, whites, and reds. The best thing is all the wines except one are below £10 but taste way more expensive. You’ve got till the 7th May to pick up some bottles, so let’s begin with some tantalising reds…

Waitrose Red Wines April/May 2024

Terre di Faiano Organic Primitivo

Terre di Faiano are usually a great source of value on the shelves and this Southern Italian Primitivo is no different. The palate is soft with a crisp bite to the finish, taking you on an easy-drinking journey of dark berries, oaky vanilla, and chocolate. Pizza and this sounds like perfection.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz

We love seeing this wine on offer. A wide net of Barossa grapes, once decanted for an hour, deliver so much intense depth of flavour. Brooding blackberry, ripe plums and indulgent mocha notes dominate. Serve with hearty meats and it sings.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.89 (usually £10.99)

Fairview Barrel-Aged Pinotage

From the Western Cape comes this full-bodied, plummy Pinotage. This grape has come into a life of its own over the past couple of decades, and what a fine example of that this is. The oak ageing imparts the perfect touch of spice, and it retains a light smoothness that is moreish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.79 (usually £10.99)

Marques de Calatrava Reserva

Spanish Tempranillo here carrying heavy oak influence, but it works a treat. Cherry and plum rise and fall together amongst a silky-smooth backdrop and earthier, leathery notes. Simple but excellent.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £6.99 (usually £8.99)

Waitrose Rosé Wines April/May 2024

Eminence de Bijou

The aromas jump up from the blush pink and fill the nose with delicate summer fruits. The first reveals the weight and intense hit of strawberry alongside subtle herbal hints. Vanilla rounds things off as well as a surprising touch of spice. Really satisfying and a bargain at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.99 (usually £14.99)

Cellier de Rouffignac Coteaux d'Aix En Provence

This is a deliciously elegant Provence Rosé. The ripe strawberries are the star of the show, flanked by the aromatics of lychee and elderflower. It’s on the dry and crisp side as Rosés go and brings super impressive complexity. Oh, and it’s organic!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £13.99)

Waitrose White Wines April/May 2024

The Ned Pinnacle Sauvignon Blanc

This signature Waihopai Valley Sauvignon brings tonnes of citric aromatics and ripe white peach notes. It’s juicy, bright and pungent with New Zealand character. Just great for a tenna.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

The Ned Pinot Grigio

Sticking with The Ned – what a deal this is below £9. It stands out a little from the usual Waihopai style, bringing salmon blush and rich, full-bodied stone fruits. But there’s also mineral depth lingering too. Interesting and well worth picking up.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.49 (usually £10.99)

Amandla Sauvignon Blanc

This is a great South African brand headed up by Pray Dlamini, a new superstar of wine. It’s bursting with lemon zest, tropical fruits of pineapple and passion fruit and incredible freshness. It’s much less green tasting than most Sauvignon but that makes a nice change.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £9.99)

Paul Mas Réserve Languedoc Blanc

From the renowned Jean-Claude Mas vineyards in Languedoc comes this floral gem. Juicy peach offsets vivid lemon, and there’s a slight oily texture that’s really nice. At the end, minerality creeps in too so it’s then total package.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.99)

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Sainsbury’s April 2024

Shop at Sainsbury’s? Love quality, affordable wine? You’ve hit the motherload! We’ve trawled through the offers for April’s best bottles and identified the stars. Here’s 5 reds and 5 whites that all cost less than £10, but taste far more expensive. The offers have already begun and you have until the 23rd April to take advantage!

Sainsbury’s Red Wines April 2024

Diablo Dark Red

We’re delighted to see this Chilean gem back on offer, although we have to say it more than justifies its full price too. The design may be devilish but make no mistake, this is heaven in a bottle. The fruity flavours are memorably deep, most notably cherry, blackberry and damson. Vanilla and dark chocolate round things off indulgently.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Carnivor Zinfandel Red Wine

You can guess from the name where this one takes you. It’s perfect alongside meats and everything you want from Cali Zinfandel – it hits hard and has great structure. The jammy blackberry is lovely and rich. It’s indulgent and well worth picking up below £10.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Journey's End Spekboom Syrah

Not only is this South African red delicious, it’s also got a really interesting background. Spekboom is also known as Elephant Bush, and it absorbs an incredible amount of CO2. Journey’s End plant loads of it, and still find time to make velvety, spicy reds like this. The savoury notes of smoky olives really bring everything together.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Altano Rewilding Edition Douro Red

This is another conservation-minded wine supporting Rewilding Portugal. On top of that, bucket loads of attitude and altitude make for a fresh and soft red driven by plum and damson. We’d serve this alongside midweek pasta dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

McGuigan Reserve Merlot

Ever reliable, McGuigan’s Reserve Merlot is a real crowd pleaser for £7. It’s pretty much the definition of easy drinking, with accessible notes of luscious plum, cherry and blackberry. It’s on the light side as Merlots go, but still full of deep fruits.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7 (usually £7.75)

Sainsbury’s White Wines April 2024

The Ned Sauvignon Blanc

The Ned are a constant source of value on the supermarket shelves. Their Kiwi Sauvignon goes with everything, delivering tremendous freshness and dryness. Think zippy lime, tropical touches and minerality where required. Solid as a rock.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Diablo Golden Chardonnay

Bargain Chilean Chard. There is all sorts going on inside this bottle. The buttery feel is instant, but then comes the tropical kick of pineapple, wet stone, and the gentlest waft of smoke. It goes on some surprising twists and turns, but it’s a delicious journey.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Rocca Murer Pinot Grigio Trentino

This is a crisp Trentino full of light citrus and peach, grassy notes and characterful minerality. Everything about it feels light and it strikes us as extremely food-friendly – think shellfish and vegetarian dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

Plaimont Côtes De Gascogne Colombard Sauvignon Blanc

What a punch for the money. Hailing from sunny Côtes De Gascogne, the razor acidity really slices through with this wine. Colombard is introduced bringing a softening effect but it’s the bundles of bright citrus that steals the show – perfect for tonnes of meals.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.25 (usually £9)

Amandla Our Future Sauvignon Blanc

We’re always happy to shout out this wine. The distillery it comes from is a great South African female-led all black enterprise, and their wines totally brighten up the shelves. Their vivid Sauvignon is brimming with zesty citrus and tropical passion fruit. Sharp as a knife and utterly delicious. £8 is a steal.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £9.50)!

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Wine Lovers Must-Know: The Ideal Serving Temperatures for Every Bottle!

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Whether it’s a weeknight after a hard day’s work, or you have been planning to open that bottle on a special occasion, there is nothing more important than serving your wine at the ‘right’ temperature. Whites well chilled. Reds at room temperature. Sorted, right? Yes and no.

There is a tendency for white wines to be served too cold, and red wines too warm - even in some bars and restaurants. We wouldn’t go so far as dipping a thermometer in every glass but being aware of it makes a surprisingly big difference to your enjoyment of the wine.

The average temperature of a domestic fridge is 4-6ºC, which is too cold for most whites or Rosé. But have you heard some seasoned drinkers even lightly chill their reds? The wines below are examples of the most commonly drunk categories in the UK; with the suggested temperature range as general guidelines. Our palate is highly personal so trust what works for you and your drinking companions. It is more art than science!

Sparkling and Sweet Wines

Photo Credit: Will Wong

The basic rule is, the lighter or sweeter the wine, the cooler the serving temperature – around 5-10°C. Too cool is better than too warm as a cold glass of wine will quickly warm up indoors or outside in the summer. 

A fine sparkling wine such as the Busi Jacobsohn Blanc de Noirs 2018 or Champagne equivalents are best served straight out of the fridge (4-6ºC) and kept cool in a bucket with ice and water, or wrapped in a rapid Champagne cooler you keep in your freezer. Remember that as the bubbles dissipate, your glass of fizz is warming up too. When served too warm, the sparkler can lose its sparkle and taste flat, if not totally lifeless. Vintage champagnes would benefit from a slightly warmer range between 8-10ºC to help its subtle nuances emerge. 

The Royal Tokaji Blue Label Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2014 is a delicate and refined sweet wine from Hungary which goes down a treat with blue cheeses and fruit desserts. It is best served between 7-10ºC but experiment with even warmer temperatures as the honey nectar opens up in your glass. 

Rosé and Light-bodied Young Whites (e.g. Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio)

Photo Credit: Will Wong

A typical Provençal Rosé such as the Miraval Sainte Victoire and aromatic dry whites such as the Faustino Rivero Ulecia Albariño from Rías Baixas, Galicia in Spain and the Shaw+Smith Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide Hills, South Australia will all benefit from 20 minutes out of the fridge before serving. The three wines above have very different characteristics so experiment between 10-14ºC. Should you find the second glass begin to feel a touch warm, you can put the bottle back in the fridge for 10 minutes, or wrap a rapid wine cooler around the bottle and it will regain its freshness within minutes. 

What happens to a bottle of fine white served too cold?

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Forgetting to heed my own advice, this scrumptious LDNCRU Bacchus 2021 was immediately served straight out of the fridge (6ºC) when dinner was ready. There was hardly any nose. Was it over the hill? The first glass was bland with none of the tasting profile suggested on its back label: grapefruit, gooseberry and lemon zest aromatics with a herbaceous finish! By the second glass with the bottle left at room temperature (18ºC), the grapefruit flavours became evident with underlying minerality which is not so common with English wines. When the third glass was poured, oh my, there was a steely and complex salinity that would have worked so well with the food at about 15ºC. Too late as there was hardly any wine left in my only bottle! Lesson learnt.

Light Reds, Fortified wine and Fine Whites (e.g. Beaujolais, Darker Sherries and Best White Burgundies)

Photo Credit: Will Wong

German Pinot Noir or Spätburgunder tends to be lighter than their New World counterparts (e.g. California, New Zealand and Oregon); and most Burgundy reds. If you wish to taste the wine at room temperature and find it a little flat or even lifeless, when it is too warm in the summer, it is indeed advisable to lightly chill your bottle in the fridge for 20 minutes. Pinot Noir is very sensitive to temperature change, and you should be able to taste the difference from a previously missing freshness. Try between 11-14ºC.

There is a wide range of sherries from Andaucía, Spain. The above On the QT Oloroso lies somewhere between the palest and driest Manzanilla (best drunk well chilled at 6-8ºC) and the sweetest Pedro Ximénez (PX) served at room temperature. Our palate also changes if the wine is drunk with hopefully complementary food rather than on its own. Oloroso can be served lightly chilled (12-14ºC) or at room temperature (18ºC) according to your preference.

The Domaine Jean Monnier & Fils Meursault is a fine Burgundy white that deserves care and respect. Such whites or their New World equivalents such as some Californian Chardonnay or South African Chenin Blanc are best served not too cold (14-15ºC).

Aged and Fine Reds (e.g. Barolo, Finest Bordeaux and Red Burgundies)

Photo Credit: Will Wong

You might have heard of suggestions to open your aged or fine red and let the wine “breathe”. That is true but it does little to nothing as the surface area of the wine in contact with oxygen is so small.

The above Brunello di Montalcino 2016 and Château Saint-Ange St-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 are two fine reds best decanted at least two hours ahead of serving, to avoid sediment in your glass and let the wine aerate to release the aroma and unlock its full potential at room temperature. By that, we mean 18ºC and not full-blast central heating or the average Australian summer.

So if necessary, you can also lightly chill your finest reds before decanting. They will warm up rapidly with a large surface area exposed in a typical decanter, letting you discover the dark fruits, spice and tannins in harmony or not.

Photo Credit: Will Wong

There is no precise temperature to serve any particular wine but avoid anything over 20ºC. We hope you experiment with the above general guidelines, and through trial and error, you will find that sweet spot where your tasting experience is greatly enhanced. But on your next summer holiday, will you ask for an ice-bucket for that bottle of fine red you ordered?

By WIll Wong