Down Under’s Finest: The Best Of Australian Wine

Australia has massively diverse wine regions, some of the oldest vines on the planet and is the biggest wine producer in the southern hemisphere, so it’s fair to say there’s a lot going on!

Luckily for you, we’ve sifted through and selected the best bottles from key Australian styles so you can dive into the country’s massive pool of wine. An entire pool of wine, now that’s a thought. Once you’re finished daydreaming, we’ll start with Australia’s most popular grape varietal...

Barossa Valley Shiraz

McGuigan Shortlist Barossa Valley Shiraz

A classic full-flavoured and fruit-driven Barossa Valley Shiraz, this wine is plush with juicy plum and ripe mulberry. Because of the maturation in a blend of American and French hogsheads, there are background hints of soft vanilla and spice too. Leave it a little while to open up and it feels lovingly fresh and vibrant leaving you wanting sip after sip. The slight acidity would cut through grilled meats and hearty vegetable dishes very nicely as well.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £15

Barossa Ink Shiraz

Drawing on grapes from the entire Barossa area, the resulting liquid is packed with intensity with plenty of mocha notes from the oak ageing as well as fruit-forward berries. Let it breathe for an hour before drinking to really let the flavours sing. Hearty meats and steak would pair fantastically with this bottle.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10

Eden Valley Riesling

Pewsey Vale Riesling 2021

Australia is second only to Germany for Riesling production, and this is one you can rely on. It has an intense nose of minerality, lemon and lime, with more orchard notes on the palate – green apple and pear lead the show. It’s crisp and dry with very gentle herbal and floral touches before minerality returns on the finish. Leave it a while to open up for the best results. This Riesling would be great with tonnes of different dishes from seafood to salty meats and cheeses, and even spicier options – you really can’t go too wrong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: UK £16.75 // US $19.99

Not Your Grandma’s Riesling 2021

This is a bone-dry Riesling has that quintessential in your face citrus acidity with lemon and lime upfront and softer apple and pear behind. There’s a lovely salinity and steely minerality wrapped up in a sumptuous mouthfeel and all in all, it feels powerful on the palate. It’s another wine that can cope with stronger food flavours too so well worth picking up and come on, we’ve got to mention the label!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £16.50

Rag & Bone Riesling 2020

From The Magpie Estate, this is a classic Eden Valley Riesling with lots of ripe fruit flooding the nose, most significantly fresh lime and minerals. Crisp citrus unfolds on tasting with more lemon than lime and a touch of sweetness in what is a stunningly fresh and balanced wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £12.75

Margaret River Chardonnay

Filius Chardonnay

Australia has been making expert use of this grape in modern times, particularly from slightly cooler parts like Margaret River on the west coast. The first vineyard there was Vasse Felix, which created this fragrant fruit-forward Chardonnay. There’s the zip of lemon, with aromatic peach, mango and pear, and a touch of white pepper. It’s full bodied with buttery softness in the mouth and bakery characteristics, but with a slight acid crunch to cut through the sweetness with precision. Mouth-wateringly moreish!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: UK £18.20 // US $25.99

Flametree Chardonnay 2020

Flametree Wines sits on the beautiful shores of Geographe Bay where Margaret River begins. Their previous vintage won Decanter Magazine Wine of the Year in 2021 and the follow-up doesn’t disappoint. The 9 months of oak ageing give a lovely toasty spice that verges on buttery pastry, and that’s lifted by white peach and tropical citrus. Super-easy drinking and balanced from nose to finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £17.49

Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay 2019

This is a fantastic showcase of Margaret River Chardonnay. Straight away it’s classic stone fruit and buttery oak on the nose, opening up to a crisp and clean palate filled with dried apricot and citrus, whilst retaining the oaky notes until the finish. Every element is restrained where it needs to be and you’ll be going back for more if you’re anything like us!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £15.50

Margaret RIVER Cabernet Sauvignon

Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

This is a seriously juicy and expressive upfront wine brimming with concentrated flavour. Think dark berries and tangy citrus but with an almost savoury earthy note. There’s a lot going on but in a good way, and it’s even better explored after aeration. It’ll sit perfectly beside any roasts you’re cooking up, particularly lamb and beef.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: UK £19.99 // US $23.99

Amy’s 2018 – Moss Wood

From Filius to another founding Margaret River estate, it’s Moss Wood with Amy’s 2018, named after the owner and winemaker’s grandmother. It’s a Cab blend with Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot added in equal measure before 18 months of oak ageing. It’s elegant but structured, anchored by an oaky earthy complexity. Blackcurrant, cherry and a touch of eucalyptus show themselves, but there’s even detectable minerality and peppery spice so it’s really full of life. Critics love it so see for yourself!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £16.99

Discovery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – Domaine Naturaliste

This delicious ruby red opens with a lively black fruit nose with curious pepper, mint and a subtly perfumy profile. This bold character continues with nice acidity, ever-present cassis, and lovely suggestions of dark chocolate and coffee. Nom!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £12.50

Rutherglen Muscat

Campbell's Rutherglen Muscat

This classically Australian, rich fortified wine has been overlooked in recent times, but there are still quality producers like Campbells in Victoria. Made in a similar way to sherry, new wine is introduced to older barrels and the result is liquid nectar that is dangerously moreish. It’s sweet with raisins and caramel and makes for a stunning dessert wine. Indulge yourself!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17.5%
Find here: £12.99 Waitrose

Others

Kooliburra Sparkling Shiraz

You don’t find a sparkling red every day, and less so one that’s worth buying but this represents incredible value. Australia has been producing wonderful sparkling Shiraz for some time now and it’s underappreciated. Blackberry and rich raspberries cut through refreshing bubbles for a wine that’s best served only slightly chilled. Serve with saltier cheeses and grilled meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £5.99 Aldi

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2020

Coonwarra’s cool climate and renowned terra rossa soils have established a global reputation, producing some of Australia’s best reds. This Shiraz is bright and silky with an elegant mulberry and blackberry notes. Delicate oak adds support without dominating the character, and very gentle warming spice sees through the finish. Every sip is interesting with no one note dominating. Try it with beef or even something with spicier dressings.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.4%
Find here: £11.75

Penfolds Max’s Shiraz - Cabernet

This is a fitting tribute to former Chief Winemaker of Penfolds, Max Schubert. You’ll find generous notes of rich fruit from the Shiraz alongside a solid Cabernet Sauvignon structure to create a seriously loveable wine. Subtle chocolate, coffee and vanilla hints combine magically but don’t overstay their welcome. Impeccable balance and perfect for stews and red meats, this is a wine of real quality.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £20 Tesco // US $19.99

The Good Luck Club Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Another wine from the prestigious Magpie Estate in the Ebenezer District, this intriguingly labelled bottle is 24 months aged in French oak leading to great structure and bold flavours. Mellow vanilla and oak sit beneath damson, blackcurrant, and blackberry, all wrapped up in a gorgeously smooth mouthfeel that more than hits the mark.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £13.95

If you’re in the mood for some other Australian gems, we’ve harvested the cream of their crop here.

What is Pisco and How Should I Drink It?

What is Pisco?

In short, Pisco is a grape brandy from Peru and Chile born out of the Spanish Empire’s efforts to distil grapes in South America from the 16th century onwards. But there’s a lot more to it than that! Read on to find out about its history, how to drink it, which bottles to try and great cocktails to mix it up in!

The history of Pisco

Pisco is one of those drinks that is incredibly popular in its native region but hasn’t yet found wider popularity across the world, and it’s history is a very interesting one.

In 1493, the Spanish conquistadors invaded huge areas of South America and expanded their empire for centuries to come, including modern day Chile and Peru – the two claimants to the Pisco throne.

The origins are not set in stone, but it is widely believed that Spanish settlers developed it as an alternative to imported brandy from Spain. As it is today, the region was tailor-made for wine making so the story goes that through the Peruvian town of Pisco (near a river of the same name), the Spanish set about using the spirit to fortify wine. However, by the 18th century, once they discovered how delicious it tasted, they cut out the middle man and just drank Pisco instead. But that’s just one version of events…

The Chilean narrative is that it originated there. The word, ‘pisco’ translates to bird and was used all along the Pacific coast including Chile. Nowadays, over 90% of Pisco produced is still consumed in Chile. The difference isn’t just location either because they end up being completely different drinks.

What are the different types of Pisco?

Pisco varies massively, but generally it’s clear or with a slightly yellow hue. It can be dry or semi-sweet, contain varying levels of ‘burnt’ wine flavour, have the earthiness of a tequila, and every pisco is different in terms of herbal, floral and fruity notes.

Peruvian Pisco is tightly bound by both tradition and regulation. Just 8 grapes are allowed, and it can only be made in certain regions. There, it rests for three months but nothing else is added. No water, nothing. Within this there is Pisco Puro (one grape), Pisco Acholado (a variety of grapes) and Pisco Moste Verde (partially fermented for sweeter liquid).

Chilean Pisco on the other hand is far more relaxed. Thirteen grapes are allowed and once distilled, producers are free to bottle it straight up or age it in various oaks.

Within their own borders, they both slap Pisco on the label of course, but once one crosses over to the other the rivalry continues. If you’re on the lookout for Peruvian Pisco in Chile then you’ll be there forever, because it will actually be labelled as a more generic fermented drink or grape distillation.

How do you drink Pisco?

Pisco can be consumed however you like and is a versatile drink. Just like whisky, tequila or any spirit, if you can find premium quality bottles, it can be enjoyed on the rocks.

Alternatively, in Peru, you’ll find macerado (pisco infused with herbs and fruits) in most bars. Intense in flavour, these macerados often go into the most popular way to drink Pisco outside of South America – a refreshing cocktail.

Which cocktails can you make with Pisco?

Loads! The Pisco Sour is by far the most famous and popular with its enchanting mix of sweet and tart flavours, silky texture, and herbaceous undertones.

Something slightly easier to pull together that’s just as tantalising is a Pisco Highball.

The recipes for these are below, but there’s also the Pisco Punch, The Chilcano, Andean Dusk, El Capitán and tonnes more. 

Pisco Sour

Ingredients
30ml Pisco
15ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup
1 egg white
Angostura bitters

Method
Add everything except the Angostura and dry shake thoroughly. Add ice and repeat until it feels chilled. Strain into a pre-chilled glass and garnish with 4 or so drops of Angostura bitters. To give it a special touch, use a toothpick to swirl the bitters into the mix creating a colourful pattern.

Pisco Highball

Ingredients
50ml Pisco
120ml Ginger ale
Juice of 1/2 a lime
Lime wedge to garnish

Method
Simply fill a tall glass with ice and pour your Pisco over the top. Add in the lime juice, top up with ginger ale and stir gently before a lime wedge on the rim. Voila!

Which Pisco should I try?

Vinas De Oro Acholado Pisco

Vinas De Oro is a prestigious Peruvian Pisco that uses Quebranta & Italia grapes from the renowned Ica Valley. Traditionally, no water or anything else in fact is added after distillation so it’s incredibly pure with herbaceous, citrus and floral aromas.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £29.95

Pisco El Gobernador

Over to Chile for Pisco El Gobernador meaning, ‘The Governor’. Made from Muscat grapes, the intensely floral aroma opens up to a super fresh and well-rounded flavour, with earthy orchard fruits, sweet peaches and zesty orange.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.99

Waqar Pisco

More Chilean Muscat Pisco here from a generational family-run Tulahuén producer. This is an in-your-face aromatic and fruity Pisco that’s bursting with intensity with strong pear, grape and strawberry before a refreshing finish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.44

La Diablada Pisco

La Diablada references a dance that interprets a battle of angels and demons, if that wasn’t already clear from the beautifully chaotic illustration! This is a more herbal Pisco using four different grapes for a really fresh and vibrant feel.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £39.44

If you love exploring drinks from around the world that are yet to become staples in America or Europe, then our guide to Baijiu is a must too! It is the most drunk spirit in the world after all.

The Top 8 Flavoured Vodkas You Need to Try

A fantastic original vodka is difficult to surpass and let’s be honest, in the past the world of flavoured vodka has released some shockers trying to do so. However, there are some absolute gems too.
Whether you just want to try something different or you’re looking for some innovative mixology must-haves, here are some of the very best flavoured vodkas that got it spot on and have the awards to prove it.

Eccentric Cardi Bay Vodka

Scooping the top Master award at the latest Vodka Masters, Cardy Bay references Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales and that’s because this vodka is inspired by the yellow gorse flowers growing in that area – not your everyday vodka flavouring! They create a distinctly floral coconutty vanilla flavour to the expression for a wonderfully rich and creamy feel. We appreciate the effort put into the bottle too – this really feels a vodka that’s had a lot of work put into it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £32

Koskenkorva Vodka Sauna Barrel

With just 2200 people living there, the tiny Finnish village of Koskenkorva is the production home of this fantastic vodka. We’ve mentioned their original bottle before, and Sauna Barrel has all the same pure smoothness but with hints of smoky heat, hence the name. The flavouring comes from resting in oak barrels picking up on the bourbon smokiness they used to contain. The infusion is subtle, and although the idea of a Finnish sauna doesn’t make the mind immediately jump to delicious drinking, it absolutely works! It’s another Master award winner, so find out for yourself!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5% 
Find here:  £21.49

Manchester Spirit Grapefruit Vodka

This British vodka uses rotary evaporation (roto-vap) techniques to extract the pure zingy vibrance of fresh grapefruit, with no chemical flavouring used. It’s 100% natural and tastes it, with a clean but creamy mouthfeel. The bitterness is perfectly balanced, and we’d recommend topping this with soda or as an extra juicy citrussy Cosmo!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £30

Absolut Lime

The original Absolut bottle, inspired by medicine bottles of a bygone era, is eye-catching enough, but the enchanting green hue of Absolut Lime is even more striking. Inside, it’s bursting with a tangy citrus kick from all-natural lime with no added sugars. It’s produced in Sweden like all other vodkas from the range so has the same smoothness and minerality, but with that refreshing lime and slightly sweet finish. This could easily be a new cocktail kit essential for citrussy twists on the classics.

Size: UK 700ml / US 1.75L
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £18.56 / US $26.98

Masons Citrus Vodka

Masons have thrived since expanding from gin production into vodka, and Citrus Vodka is one of their more praised expressions. The delightful tang is down to vapour infused grapefruit and lemon, cutting through the pure Masons vodka. Think brightness, freshness, and smoothness. Try it for a punchier Cosmo and you might not look back.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.80

Pravda Espresso Flavoured Vodka

This Polish vodka is the real deal. From 100% rye grain, it’s distilled 5 times with Carpathian water before the decadence of roasted Arabica coffee beans are added. The Espresso flavour really kicks and creates a thick, subtly sweet liquid that oozes style. Drizzle it over your ice cream, pour it over ice, or add it to your coffee and cocktails - whichever route you choose you’re going to love it!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £27.99

Vestal Black Cherry Vodka

Staying in Poland, check out Vestal Black Cherry Vodka. The potato vodka base that Vestal is renowned for brings a creaminess to which luscious black cherry is added. Sweetness plays off against tart nuance perfectly, with notes of cacao and marzipan creating a surprising bakery feel. It’s rich, dark, and sweet but without the sickliness that some cherry-flavoured drinks come with. There are honestly so many great serves for this, but after trying it on the rocks, it’s also delicious with lemonade or cola, especially for drinkers with a sweeter tooth.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.89

Shanty Seaweed Botanical Vodka

We have to shout out the gorgeous bottle for this vodka first! Local to production, Dorset artist Emma Brownjohn has designed the artwork to wrap around the bottle distorting it as if viewed underwater – love it. The liquid uses a variety of interesting botanical spirits (sea buckthorn, bergamot, yuzu, galangal, wasabi for example) and of course, 5 organic British seaweeds. Each is vacuum distilled to retain the delicate notes within that umami flavour before blending with the grain spirit. The vodka is full of complexity with sea botanicals, subtle citrus and a pleasant salinity perfectly balanced in a super smooth mouthfeel. It’s about as far away from the synthetic taste as you can get and a must-try for any vodka lover.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39

If flavoured vodka is just not your thing, then we’ve got some super straight down-the-line recommendations too, with The Best Vodkas of 2022!

The Best Whisky From Around the World Under £40

I am frequently asked ‘What is the best whisky to buy?’, and the honest answer is it depends on what you like, and how much you are willing to spend. However, if a tight budget is set there is still a lot of choice out there. I have compiled a list of the 10 best whiskies to have in a home bar from all over the world, and all at under £40. This list will include the best American, Irish, New World whisky, and of course, more than a few from Scotland. There should be something for everyone on this list, and If you drink whisky a fair amount, more than one of these should certainly grace your home bar this year.

Glen Moray Classic

Probably my most written about single malt whisky. It’s a flavour bargain in a bottle. Lots of Speyside sweet orchard fruit, honey and vanilla and for well under the set price. If you’d like to know more, there is plenty of information on our site.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £23.24 // US $29.99

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

My well documented all-time favourite whisky. It has a good amount of fruit, sweetness, caramel and a soft whiff of smoke running through it. It can be mixed well in a multitude of cocktails, as well as being sipped over ice, drunk with a little water or even sipped neat. The most versatile whisky in the world. To find out more about the Johnnie Walker range, click here.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £21.99 // US $39.99

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

This list is turning out to be the GOAT list for whisky! All classic whiskies are sold all over the world, and here we have the world’s most sold single malt Scotch. It’s so fruity with apples and pears with a little honey and fine oak. Hard to beat, and along with the following whisky, the best starter whisky for anyone’s palate.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £33.95 // US $44.99

Glenlivet 12 Year Old

Glenfiddich and Glenlivet 12 year old vie for the top position of best sold single malt in the world all the time. Like Glenfiddich, this whisky has lots of complexity and lots of fruit. The Glenlivet has a slightly richer profile with some dried fruits from more ex-sherry influence, but this is a point of difference rather than extra complexity. Both are brilliant.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £29 // US $47.99

Jura 10 Year Old

 A lesser known distillery, and one of the best introductions to island whisky. Both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks are used in the production giving lots of complexity with both dried raisins, honey, vanilla and white stone fruits, and a long finish. It is very smooth and easy to drink and makes a great Old Fashioned. There is a subtle layer of smoke underlying all the other flavours showing the east coast influence.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £32.49 // US $38.99

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

One of the greatest value Bourbon whiskies in the world. Four Roses is made up from 10 mash bills and four recipes which are blended to create a complex, sweet very easy going and versatile bourbon. The complexity and intensity of flavour lift this bourbon beyond most of its competitors at this price range.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find it here: UK £30.95 // US $33.99

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon

If I had to choose one bourbon to have at home, this would be it. With a mash bill that is corn dominant, but includes rye and malt, it is also triple distilled and placed in the barrels at a lower than usual abv. All this gives smoothness without the loss of flavour and complexity. Great in cocktails and just as good sipped slowly with or without ice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find it here: UK £39.49 // US $36.99

Stork Club Straight Rye Whiskey 

Stork Club hails from Germany and is distilled just south of Berlin. Using a mixture of ex-bourbon barrels and German Napoleon oak, this is a bold whisky with a spicy back palate that is perfect for making cocktails, especially a highball. There are flavours of butterscotch and pepper with some citrus, especially on the finish. I’d have this rye whisky on my bar all the time.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find it here: £34.78

Nikka Days

A modern Japanese whisky for the modern whisky era. Nikka days is a blended Japanese whisky using all Japanese spirits. There are single malts from Miyagikyo and Yoichi distilleries and there is a delicate smoky influence that balances the malt and fruity flavours. With the rise in popularity and cost of Japanese whisky, this is great value.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: UK £37.95 // US $49.99

Mars Kasei

This is a whisky I know little about except that it is blended using a variety of barrels using Japanese whiskies. However, I do know it tastes brilliant. It has aromas of wildflowers and a touch of smoke leading to a palate full of apples and honey and a little caramel. The finish brings in citrus and vanilla. This is a very good Japanese whisky and would deserve to grace any home.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £38.60 

Choosing the best whiskies to have at home for under £40 has been a challenge. There are still so many great whiskies to buy coming from all categories of whisky, including whiskies that would normally be thought of as expensive, like single malt Scotch and Japanese whisky. And what is exciting is that there are even more out there to explore in this price range. And if you can occasionally stretch to a little more the choice becomes even harder!

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Is 2023 Tequila’s Year?

For anyone that listens to our Bring a Bottle podcast, you’ll know that we’ve been wanting tequila and mezcal to be fully explored for a while. With the growing popularity of cocktails like the Margarita and the Picante as well as the influx of celebrity brands, tequila, it is getting there but there’s still so much more that it has to offer!

Far too often, the spirit itself is being clouded by other ingredients when it should be the star of the show… and 2023 may well be the year. Someone who agrees with us is Cazcabel and although they may be somewhat biased, their Blanco is the UK’s best-selling 100% agave tequila, so they certainly know their onions…or agave we should say.

All research shows that the tequila train is showing no signs of slowing down, and is in fact speeding up. The global market is the fastest growing spirit after pre-mixed cocktails, the Margarita is the most popular cocktail in the world and everything looks set for tequila to transition from party drink to premium sipper… although who’s to say it can’t be both!

British drinkers are warming to the idea of swapping out vodka and gin from their tonics and experimenting with tequila as a short serve option – not just dismissing it as shots or cocktail fodder. If you want to get ahead of the trend then we’ve been shouting about our favourite tequila options from the rooftops which you can explore here.

Cazcabel is pioneering in the space though, and a fantastic option to explore. Located in the Jalisco highlands of Mexico, Cazcabel not only produces liqueurs but super value blanco and reposado expressions, showcasing how the earthy crispness of agave flavour can shine when paired simply with tonic.

Cazcabel Blanco - £25.70
Cazcabel Reposado - £25.99

From Aquaman to Vodkaman: Jason Momoa’s Meili Vodka

Best known for fronting Aquaman and playing Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, Hawaiian star Jason Momoa is entering the world of drinks… or should we say returning?

Whilst filming Game of Thrones in Belfast over the previous decade, the brawny Momoa bulked up on a diet of pizza and Guinness and even got to try his own edition, ‘The Mano’. Guinness’ first sour creation was inspired by the actor’s Hawaiian heritage and tattoos, and he obviously got a taste for the industry because he launched Mananalu in 2019, an environmentally-minded canned water brand. This is a focus that Momoa has brought over to Meili Vodka (40% ABV), the new sustainably produced craft spirit.

A joint venture between the actor and fashion designer Blake Halvorson (founder of Junk Food Clothing and MadeWorn), Meili is bottled in 100% recycled glass with no two bottles being identical. Produced from natural Montana springs, the grains are sourced from local farms and the finished article is left to, “rest and breathe” in the mountain air before bottling – whether that has any science behind it or not we’re not sure, but it’s a nice image.

In this new world of celebrity spirits, it can be difficult to stand out and as of yet, there’s little word on the quality of the vodka itself, but to be fair it hasn’t officially launched just yet. That moment will come when Momoa speaks at the WSWA’s 2023 Access Live in Florida in April, but for now, their ideas seem admirable.

What’s more, limited online releases suggest a price of around $23.99 which is remarkably affordable when you consider the ‘celeb tax’ that is usually added on to endorsed products. Wider offerings will no doubt roll into a town near you soon, but if you’re a Momoa superfan then you can order already from selected retailers like here.

8 Fine Wines From China you Need To Try

Have You Tried Wine From China?

Over here in the West, you might be forgiven for not having China top of mind when it comes to listing countries that produce fine wine - or any wine for that matter. As things stand, the Chinese wine output is still tiny, especially when you compare it to China’s famous spirit ‘Baijiu’ and the amount of international wine brands that are imported. Evidence has been found of grape fermentation in China and along the Silk Road dating back thousands of years before Christ, so it’s not exactly new. The modernised industry as we see it now however is only just starting to get going - and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

How to find Chinese wine in the UK

Of course, when a country’s output is so small, we tend to not be able to find much outside the country in question. Until now, that is. With the rise of wine companies championing producers from less obvious locations or smaller, more boutique producers that would never be looked at by the larger conglomerates, we’ve never had such good access to quality wines from around the globe. One such company that exists to do precisely this is Propeller. Located in Sherborne, Dorset, Propeller have set themselves up to help producers entering the UK market for the first time to jump the numerous hurdles they’ll inevitably face. At the same time, they assist with brand positioning and marketing and help get the wines into top merchants and wholesalers. It is through Propeller Wines that we were introduced to a fantastic producer based in Ningxia, China called Xige Estate. Tasting their wines was a real treat and - if we’re honest- a bit of a surprise. Here’s what you need to know about Xige Estate in China and what you should taste.

Wine from Ningxia, China

Ningxia is a very small, autonomous region located in north-central China with thousands of years of rich history. Today, despite its extreme climatic conditions and temperature swings, it has a growing reputation for premium winemaking, with some describing it as ‘The Bordeaux of China’ or ‘China’s Penfolds’. The first winery appeared here just over twenty years ago and now, the region boasts over a hundred wineries, with more licences being applied for all the time. Around 38,000ha of vines have already been planted, comprising at least sixty different varieties and this number is expected to grow exponentially over the next ten years thanks to substantial backing from the government and private investors. At the beginning, around fifteen years ago, winemakers were cautious and stuck to the famous Bordeaux grapes. It’s true that many of these are now flourishing, but some in the industry such as Xige have been keen to do things a little differently; to experiment with other grapes to get the very best out of the terroir here - and to great effect.

Xige Estate, Helan Mountain, Ningxia

Xige Estate was founded in 2017 and finished in 2019, though the wines belonging to the estate had already been in place for twenty years. The winery is the brainchild of investor and ex-Changyu winemaker Zhang Yanzhi and was founded with the aim to show that Chinese wine deserves a place on the world stage of not just fine wine, but wine that showcases its terroir to give it a real sense of place, even on a large scale. And it’s not just the world’s wine lovers that benefit; Ningxia was previously a relatively impoverished region that is now benefiting enormously from the growing wine industry. Xige Estate, for example, directly employs 300 people, with a team of 4 -700 more alone involved and employed in the upkeep of the vineyards, which are currently spread over 2000 hectares.

Wine style at Xige Estate

In terms of style, Xige Estate is placing a strong focus on more elegant, fresh and understated wines that work wonderfully with a wide range of international cuisines rather than uber-concentrated, jammy, fruit bombs. After trialling various grape varietals over their substantial vineyards, the team at Xige Estate have found that Chardonnay, Malbec and Cabernet Gernsicht, which is possibly an evolution of Carmenere, really shine in their Ningxia terroir. Experiments continue with Marselan, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Dunkelfelder, Chenin Blanc and Syrah. Having tasted the range, it’s clear to see that with Propeller’s help, Xige estate really could be the international face of Chinese wine.

Here are some delicious wines from the estate that will delight and surprise you and any guests you show them to. Go on, do a blind tasting. I wonder if they will work out where they are from!

Try these wines from Xige Estate:

Jade Dove White 2018

A blend of Italian Riesling and Ugni Blanc, this wine is rich, golden, peachy and aromatic in a different way than you might be used to. To us, this puts it up there on the winelovers’ terroir shelf as a must-try. A fabulous choice for food with sweeter spices, fish and poultry.

RRP: £22.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at: propeller.wine

Jade Dove Red, 2018

This red is made mostly with Cabernet Sauvignon and just a splash (5%) of Merlot. Intense, red and black fruit flavours are balanced by very subtle, French oak, silky tannins and a hint of smoky minerality.

RRP: £22.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at: propeller.wine, Baythorne Wines

Jade Dove Rosé, 2019

A vibrant, fruity blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Cabernet Gernischt, this pretty pink, which is made by the premium, saignée method, is fresh and elegant with notes of ripe strawberry, raspberry and cherry.

RRP: £22.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N28, Chardonnay, 2019

This stunning Chardonnay evokes the elegance and freshness of a Chablis with the tropical, floral, melon and honey notes of a top end Argentinian Chardonnay and the structure of a great Burgundy, thanks to fermentation and ageing in oak. Creamy but refreshing with it, this is a great white to show what the terroir at Xige can do.

RRP: £27.95
Stockist: https://www.thewineseller.co.uk, https://www.cheerswinemerchants.co.uk, wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N28, Malbec, 2019

Xige Estate were the first to spot Malbec’s potential in the Helan Mountain range and were the first to plant it commercially here. This Malbec brings all the concentrated, blueberry, cocoa and slatey mineral notes you’d want from a high altitude Malbec with proper, velvety soft tannins and a delicious umami note that gives it a real sense of place.

RRP: £24.95
Stockist: https://www.thewineseller.co.uk, https://www.cheerswinemerchants.co.uk, wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N28, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019

Here we have a fine, well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon that could stand up to any classic, left-bank Bordeaux with its notes of slate and cedar, medicinal herbs and characteristic pop of cassis and warm spice. A fabulous wine that’s drinking now but will keep for at least five years - probably longer.

RRP: £24.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Xige N50, 2018

Another truly premium wine, the N50 is exceptional. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Gernischt taken from Xige Estate’s finest vineyard plots, this wine has achieved the highest critical acclaim of any Chinese wine so far, being described as ‘a masterclass in structure, restraint and elegance.’ We can only agree. It tastes fabulous now with its super-concentrated notes of blackcurrant leaf, baking spice, cedar and a slick, mineral backbone but will also go the distance when laid down, big time.

RRP: £29.95
Stockist: wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

Jade Dove, Single Vineyard Cabernet Gernischt, 2018

At the top of the wine tree at Xige is this 100% Cabernet Gernischt, produced from vines that are 25-30 years-old, so are genuinely ‘old vines’ by Chinese standards. Here, the Cabernet Gernischt offers delicate, fine tannins and an intriguing nose of dried rose petals and Chinese herbs. So different from, say, a Chilean Carmenère to whom it’s meant to be related, this is a benchmark example of a Chinese version.

RRP: £37.95
Stockist:  wine-embargo.co.uk
More info at propeller.wine

See more about Xige Estate here and Propeller Wine here.

TalkTV: Scottish Drinks for Burns Night

What better way to start your whisky journey is there than to taste a dram or seven this Burns Night! In celebration of the great Scottish Poet Robbie (Rabbie) Burns, we won't; quite be addressing the haggis, but we will be looking at some classic Scottish drinks, from Single Malt Scotch to Scotland’s other national drink: Irn Bru!

Rob Roy Cocktail

A classic, easy-to-make, delicious small cocktails for Scotch newbies and aficionados alike. 

It is said to have got its name when a bar in New York tweaked the classic Manhattan cocktail recipe to use Scotch whisky instead of Bourbon in homage to a new operetta called Rob Roy, that was playing in a theatre nearby. The protagonist of this story was a  Scottish folk hero named Rob Roy MacGregor. Simply pour the Scotch whisky, vermouth and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir well. Strain into a Nick and Nora glass or couple and garnish with the cocktail cherry. 

Whisky used: Glen Marnoch Highland Single Malt Whisky (£17.49 from Aldi.)

Vermouth used: Cocchi Vermouth di Torino (£23.95 from The Whisky Exchange)

Cocktail Maraschino cherries by Hotel Starlino (£9.99 from The Bottle Club)

Ingredients:

50ml Scotch Whisky

25ml Sweet Red Vermouth

2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

1 Speared cocktail cherry

Ne-bru-ni

Joy of joys, here’s a Negroni with a Scottish twist, swapping out the vermouth for the Irn Bru. At least it’s not as strong, so less bad for you, right? Don’t forget to use a classic, Scottish gin for the full Burns Night effect. Add the gin and the aperitif into a shaker with ice and shake hard for a full 30 seconds. Pour over a large cube of ice into a tumbler and top up with Irn Bru. Stir gently and garnish with an orange wheel if you’re feeling fancy. 

Gin used: Hendrick’s Gin (Find at Ocado for £27)

Aperitif used: Campari 

Irn Bru 1901 in a bottle - the original.  (Find at Ocado for £2.55)

Ingredients:

25ml Gin

25ml Bitter Aperitif

25ml Irn Bru

Oban 14 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Finally, we can’t toast Burns NIght without a single dram pof fine Scotch whisky and I;ve gone for an Oban 14. One of my favourite Highland Malt Scotches and a classic example of whisky from the Western Highlands, this tiny distillery uses pot still for small batches and more character. The 14 year old is full-bodied and has aromas and flavours of candied orange peel, heather, honey, a whiff of peat smoke and a slick of sea salt in the finish.

Find it at Ocado for £77.50

Don’t forget to watch The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky, streaming 24/7 on Amazon Prime! 

See more on Scotch whisky in these articles: 12 Top Whiskies to sip this Burns Night