Can You Drink Wine Out of Any Glass?

Photo credit: Will Wong

When wandering around the homeware section of a department store, it's not uncommon to see people perusing over wine glasses. But with so many choices out there it gets one thinking - What’s all the fuss really about? Can't I drink wine out of any glass? What should I look for when buying new glassware? Do I really need different glassware for different types of wine? 

Understanding wines is complex enough, but now there is the pressure to get a set of respectable glasses to show your appreciation of wine without breaking the bank, or the glasses! A glass is a glass, right? Well, not really. If you have ever pondered the questions above, then read on as they’re all about to be answered.

To start with, let’s go through the key elements of any wine glass, and how each plays a part in your overall experience of the wine, because there are additional considerations before you invest in your glasses. This step-by-step guide will help you make an informed choice to enhance your wine enjoyment at home and beyond.

The FIVE aspects of your ideal wine glass

Whether you are browsing online or in a homeware store, the look of the glass and its price might be your first considerations. Wherever possible, it’s a good idea to visit a physical shop to hold and feel the wine glasses in stock to get a sense of their size, weight and how they actually feel in your hand. It is worth considering if you are purchasing just a pair, or a set of four to six - storage spaces for your exquisite glassware shouldn’t be an after-thought.

Whilst manufacturers such as Riedel boast an extensive grape varietal range, some critics are less concerned about subtle differences than the fundamental characteristics that make an aesthetically pleasing and functional wine glass. But does the same wine smell and taste different across different designs and shapes? Yes, in both nuances and sometimes even in obvious ways! 

Imagine your favourite orchestra or band performing exactly the same piece across venues of different sizes and acoustics - you will pick up notable differences and details, especially in classical music.

Our sensory perceptions, nose and palate are highly personal. The glasses featured here are part of my personal collection. Other brands and designs are available. It may not be possible to try before you buy, but any well-designed and well-made wine glass consists of the following key elements.

1. Bowl

Photo credit: Will Wong

The heart of the vessel which holds the genie out of the bottle. Aim for a clear tulip-shaped design with a tapered top. Avoid coloured patterns, or oblique designs that obscure the true colour of your wine. After all, you see the wine as you pour, before you get to enjoy its aroma and the first sip.

We recommend filling the bowl to no more than a quarter-full - you are not serving a pint of beer in a pub. Aromas dance in this ‘space’, allowing you to swirl the wine round in the glass, which further releases the aromas before your first sip. Our sense of smell is often underrated, and it has an intricate effect on how we taste.

The right glass brings all the nuances of flavour to the fore and can improve your experience of a wine. It’s like an orchestral conductor or music producer at a mixing desk working with the same musicians (your wine), enabling the right balance of bouquet and accentuated flavour.

2. Rim

Photo credit: Will Wong

All other things being equal, we cannot over-emphasise this final frontier before the wine hits your lips and palate. So, if you have a chance to view and touch any wine glass in person, hold it and feel its rim. In general, handmade and mouth-blown crystal glasses have much thinner rims than the machine-made, allowing a more even flow of the wine as it leaves the glass.

As you indulge in the first anticipated sip or kiss, a good glass gives you the sensation of sucking out of thin air. Your sensory focus lies more on the taste of the wine, as opposed to the thickness of the glass.

People often forget the romance involved with drinking fermented grape juice. After all, not every first kiss makes your heart skip a beat! 

3. Stem vs Stemless

Photo credit: Will Wong

Besides its function to support the bowl, the thickness and height of the stem also shape how the overall glass looks and balances with the base. Thicker stems might seem to provide greater stability, but it also adds to the weight and overall feel of the glass in your hand.

The match-thin stem of the Josephine No.1 White above looks fragile, but it’s actually very elegant to hold and allows you to swirl the glass effortlessly. It also separates your hand from the bowl and avoids warming up the wine or leaving fingerprints around the bowl. Although, it’s not really recommended for outdoor use. 

The Govino stemless glass is made from unbreakable 100% Tritan Co-polyester, making it ideal for outdoor picnics. Glass variants from leading manufacturers are widely available too. Besides the obvious disadvantages, they are more stable and better suited for balcony, patio or garden dining. 

4. Base

The ‘foot’ of the entire glass which holds everything together. This is also where you are likely to find the manufacturer’s logo (or any copycats’). It should be proportional to the size of the bowl and the height of the stem to maintain overall balance and aesthetic harmony.

WHAT IS THE Right Glass for each Wine?

Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Photo credit: Will Wong

Who doesn’t love the sound of a sparkler cork pop, and the sight of dazzling bubbles rising up that glass before the toast? But what about its flavour as the fizz warms up and begins to fizzle out?

The three most common sparkling wine glasses are:

1. The Coupe

Up until the 1970s, Champagne was traditionally served in coupes. These wide-rimmed glasses were often made from crystal and, according to legend, were modelled on the curves of the Marquise de Pompadour, the official chief mistress of Louis XV. Others claim the shape was inspired by Marie-Antoinette’s breast, Queen of France and wife of Louis XVI. However, the glass was really designed in England in 1663, specifically for sparkling wines.

It looks great in a Champagne pyramid, but the wide rim exposes the Champagne to air rapidly, causing the bubbles to disperse leaving the wine to taste flat.

Example - Riedel Extreme Junmai Sake Coupe

2. The Flute

Probably the most popular and immediately associated with serving that festive or everyday fizz! As you take the first sip after toasting, the rapid gush of gas bubbles rush up the flute and practically mask the more delicate aromas and flavours. The straight-sided, open-topped shapes of the flute; just like the coupe mean that aromas easily escape into the atmosphere. 

Example - Riedel Vinum Vintage Champagne Flute

3. Tulip-shaped with in-curving tops

Aim for a clear glass with a slender stem. Champagnes or sparking wines need to be served well-chilled (7-10ºC / 45-50ºF). You definitely do not want your hand to warm it up with a stemless glass. The tulip-shaped is our preferred design as it helps enclose the sparkler’s aroma and funnel it towards the nose. It also allows just enough surface area for the wine to open up, without fizz escaping too fast.

Example - Josephine No.4 Champagne (hand blown)

If you’d rather not invest in dedicated Champagne glasses, try the following white wine glasses instead.

Young Whites (Albariño, Bacchus, Sauvignon & Pinot Grigio), Rosé or Lighter Reds (Beaujolais & Valpolicella) 

Photo credit: Will Wong

These wines are traditionally drunk young, with their fresh fruitiness. They do not usually require much aeration before serving. The above white wine glasses are smaller than those below to concentrate the delicate aromas of young whites and reds, or Rosé. The narrower bowl helps in preserving the wine’s subtle flavours and nuances. 

Example - Josephine No.1 White (hand blown) and Zalto Denk’Art Universal (hand blown)

Big Whites (Oaked Chardonnay, Viognier, White Rioja and even Orange Wine]

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Aged whites such as oaked Australian or Californian Chardonnay are best served less cold than younger whites. They would benefit from a larger bowl to help the wine open up and reach optimum serving temperature (14-15ºC / 57-59ºF).

Example - Riedel Veloce Chardonnay and Zieher Vision Intense (hand blown)

Light to Medium-bodied Reds (Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Grenache & Sangiovese, e.g. Chianti)

Photo credit: Will Wong

A traditional wide bowl and sometimes with a shorter stem helps enclose the delicate aromas with a larger surface area for oxygen contact. It directs the intense flavours to the correct part of your tongue.

Example - Riedel Veloce Pinot Noir / Nebbiolo and Spiegelau Definition Burgundy Glass and Josephine No.3 Red (hand blown)

Full-bodied Reds (Bordeaux blends, Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel)

Photo credit: Will Wong

The bowl shape is designed for bold red wines, with a broad base and a top that tapers/closes at the opening. The open and large surface area allows a significant amount of oxygen to contact the wine. The wider opening makes the wine taste smoother after some swirling and time in the glass. It brings out the fruit flavours and all the hidden complexities the winemaker likes you to discover!

Example -Josephine No.3 Red (hand blown) and Riedel Veloce Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

What If I Want One Glass for Everything?

Photo credit: Will Wong

We know that some of the suggested glassware above aren’t exactly cheap. Storage space could be a problem in a modern home too. Although less ideal for the bold tannic reds, we recommend two hand-blown glasses that are both well made and very elegant to hold and sip from. The key difference is the straight profile of the Zalto Denk’Art Universal vs the ‘kink’ on the Josephine No.2 Universal. If you wish to spend less, then the machine-made Riedel Veloce Chardonnay would also be a talking point due to its big tulip shape.

Is It Better To Buy Cheap Wine Glasses?

We share your anxiety when it comes to spending big on expensive glasses - hold on for our aftercare advice. Meanwhile, let’s do some simple maths. Say if you share a bottle of wine with your partner four times a week. That is reasonable so it translates to three 125ml glasses four times a week for only 48 weeks in a year (let’s say including Dry January). If you invested £50 on just one hand-blown glass, you would have used it almost 600 times in an average year. The premium you pay on each serving is just over 8 pence. We think it is an investment that will reward your sensory experience for years to come. 

However, if you were getting at least six to twelve glasses for frequent home entertaining, then the dishwasher-safe machine-made Riedel Veloce might be a better option.

Aftercare

Photo credit: Will Wong

Most of the recommended glassware here is delicate so we suggest hand-washing. Kind souls have posted many online video tutorials on ‘how to hand wash and polish wine glasses’. It could be a little nerve-racking at first but practice makes perfect. Here are a few do’s and don’ts that might help:

DO:

1. If left overnight, rinse each used glass with warm water then shake any excess water off.

2. Spray a little white vinegar into the base of each glass, especially if red wine was served.

3. Use only clean, warm soapy water to wash.

4. Hold the glass by the bottom of its bowl and use a silicone brush to scrub off any stubborn red wine stains.

5. Rinse under a warm (not hot) tap but beware of knocking your glass against the tap.

6. Hand polish with two pieces of lint-free/microfibre cloths.

7. Always hold the bottom of the bowl with one hand wrapped in a lint-free/microfibre cloth; never by the stem.

8. Carefully dry the outside and inside of the bowl, the stem and the base with the other hand wrapped in the second piece of lint-free cloth.

DON’T:

1. Soak the glasses in hard water overnight. The watermark from the limescale will be a nightmare to clean.

2. Wipe dry with the usual cotton tea towel; its microfibre would stick all over your clean glass.

3. Hold your glass by its stem whilst washing or polishing. That is the most delicate part and you could snap it.

A glass is more than just a glass when it comes to your stemware. In the good old days before wireless streaming, you would not invest in high end audio equipment, only to connect them with budget speaker cables. Even in this day and age of smart TV and live-streaming, the quality of your audio-visual experience not only depends on your hardware, but definitely the quality of your broadband too. You can listen to music out of your mobile phone’s tiny speakers, but it will not be the same as a pair of outstanding speakers or noise-cancelling headphones. 

Whether you are buying just one glass for all your needs, or different ones for different purposes, we hope this guide helps you make better and informed choices. Above all, overcome the fear of breaking any ‘expensive’ glassware. Enjoy the clear vision from a quality glass. Feel its elegant lightness when swirling and sipping. The rewards will pay back your initial investment many times over for years to come.

By Will Wong

Tasty Easter Wine and Food Pairings 2024

Not everyone has a get together for Easter, but with the joys of sunny spring on the way, why not have a celebration? The right wine can make or break a feast, so we’ve been hard at work identifying the very best bottles of wine to wash down popular Easter meals.

Be it lamb, beef, turkey, pork, seafood, or vegetarian, we’ve pinpointed the ideal bottle for you. Each pick compliments the style of the food and the flavours present so let’s dive into some mouth-watering combos.

Best Wine to Pair with Lamb

Bread & Butter Cabernet Sauvignon

This ripe and robust classically styled Cali Cab is brimming with complex oak-aged flavours and softened mouthfeel. Mocha, fresh berries, blackcurrants, and peppery warmth all feature, as well as, of course, that butter which comes through alongside vanilla notes. Plenty of soft tannins that the fatty, hearty meat will cut through perfectly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £13.50 (usually more!)

Best Wine to Pair with Beef

Catena Malbec

For beef, this bottle is exactly what we’re after – serious Malbec. Using some of the finest grapes from the best Mendoza vineyards, it’s big and rich, but mellow and restrained when it needs to be too. Dark fruits and intricate vanilla and coffee flood the nose, which unfold into full-bodied plum and blackberry. Underneath it all is a leathery, earthy undertone that’s yummy too. The heavier but approachable tannins work with fatty meat, and the richness compliments perfectly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £13.99

Best Wine to Pair with Turkey

Mt Difficulty 'Bannockburn' Pinot Noir

Seductively intense New Zealand Pinot Noir, from Central Otago. Taking up the Burgundian-style, fruits of the forest dominate the aroma supported by mellow clove and brown spice. A sip of the dark ruby wine reveals cherry, violet and subtler savoury notes reminiscent of charred mushroom. The low tannins won’t overpower the turkey, and of course, cranberry sauce is a dream pairing.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £29.99

Best Wine to Pair with Pork

Kendermanns Riesling Kabinett

Food-friendly royalty, you just knew Riesling would pop up sooner or later. If we had to pick just one bottle to do a job with different dishes, then it would usually be a Riesling. This fragrant wine carries wafts of juicy peach, tangy grapefruit, and crisp apples. The palate is off-dry and noticeably refreshing with a zip of acidity to cut through the fat.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8.5%
Find here: £9.99 (£6.99 Mix Six Price)

Best Wine to Pair with Seafood Dishes

Langham Sparkling Rosé

One of the best pink fizzes England has to offer, this was a big award winner last year. Mostly Pinot, but with a hefty chunk of Chardonnay and dash of Pinot Meunier, it’s blended with 18% reserve wine for added depth. The result is a pale, dry and extremely versatile wine with notes of fresh strawberries, cranberries and shortbread biscuit. The acidity and lingering sweetness are perfect for most seafood dishes, particularly shellfish and lean fish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £34.95

Best Wine to Pair with Vegetarian Dishes

Te Pa Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc

This is a classic Marlborough Sauvignon that masterfully leans into the tropical notes you expect – guava, passion fruit and nectarine. Tasty gooseberry pops up too, as well as the chalky minerality that brings a crisp pureness to proceedings. If that sounds food-friendly, then it really is. The vegetal green notes are crying out for veggie dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10.50

If you’re after something a little more indulgent for after dinner and feel sad about having no easter eggs, then what about a chocolate liqueur to treat yourself? We’ve found the best liqueurs for whatever spirit you love here!

7 Beautiful Bottles of Red Wine You Need To Try This Spring

Springtime may not be the season you typically associate with red wine as the milder weather prompts reaching out for a cold, refreshing drink - typically a white wine, beer or cocktail. But, did you know that there are many lighter red wine blends that are perfect to enjoy during these warmer months too?

We’re thinking of fruity reds that would pair well with cherry blossom season as they contain that hint of cherry within them, as well as food-friendly reds that work well with light tomato-based dishes and salads. The possibilities are endless but to narrow down the list, here are seven red wines that you absolutely must try this spring!

Yellowtail Jammy Red Roo

Jammy by name and jammy by nature! This is an Australian Shiraz blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals which will attract those with a sweet tooth! You can enjoy this by itself with its fruity flavour profile and chocolate undertones as it’s a versatile, uncomplicated wine to suit most palates and believe it or not, it also works well after being chilled! But, if you do wish to pair this with a meal, then take it along to those BBQs for the start of the barbecue season. Or, simply treat yourself to this wine and dessert at the end of a meal. Like we said, so versatile!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £7.75

The Ned 2020 Pinot Noir

A Pinot Noir from the southern valleys of Marlborough, in New Zealand, which is already a unique selling point for this wine as well as it being an IWC award winner. It is a lighter bodied purple wine with a berry fruits flavour on the nose and a complex spice combined with an oaky characteristic to provide that balance. This Pinot Noir is certainly one to enjoy with food such as peppered mackerel or duck breast!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £14.99

McGuigan Black Label Red 2022

The McGuigan wines have been winning the IWSC’s best winemaker awards for years and with this red wine blend, which includes Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, it is easy to see why! This medium bodied, Australian all rounder is an easy drinking wine bursting full with flavour and ideal for lunchtime or unwinding after work. Its blackberry, fruity profile also provides a soft finish to the wine with hints of cherry and plum. We wouldn’t blame you for wanting this all to yourself but it strikes us as a crowd-pleasing wine suiting all occasions! It’s also easy to carry around as it’s served with a screwcap - always handy.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £7.25

Domaine La Clef du Récit - Sancerre Rouge – 2021

Coming from a young winemaker (the Clef du Récit estate in France only opened in 2012), this is a red Sancerre that you need to add to your shopping lists! It’s an Upper Loire red appealing to many with its combination of freshness, red berry profile and fine tannins. Simply smooth, quaffable and elegant, this is a medium bodied wine that will be an ideal springtime gift.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £28.50

Clos de la Molénie, Cuvée Michelot, Bordeaux Supérieur 2021

This is an organic estate located in Ruch in southeast Bordeaux and the winemakers only produced their first vintage wine in 2020. Their Bordeaux blends differ from the normal tastes associated with this type of wine as you would not usually believe that a Bordeaux would be suitable to drink during springtime! But, this 60% Merlot blend also features in the 2024 Guide of the Best Wines in France. It is a fruit forward wine with an immediate detection of its dark fruits and a hint of spice that provides an even finish. This will be a fascinating vineyard to add to your list to visit for wine-tasting in the spring holidays!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £24.95

The King’s Wrath 2021 Pinot Noir

Medieval history enthusiasts will enjoy the stories behind this King’s series of wines! Legend has it that in 1242 William de Marisco was found guilty of treason against King Henry III and was executed at the Tower of London alongside his accomplices. Parts of his body were scattered across the kingdom’s four corners as evidence of the King’s wrath! This will be a good dinner party tale to tell when pouring this award winning Marlborough Pinot from the namesake Marisco vineyards! This wine received the Champion Wine of the 2022 Marlborough Wine Show award and a gold award from The Drinks Business in 2022. It’s medium bodied with a rich and fruity palate that offers a soft finish and slight acidity to make it a well balanced party companion!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £15.99

La Masseria Del Borgo Primitivo Manduria 2022

This deep Italian red focuses on the Zinfandel variety and whilst it might be one of the pricier Primitivo wines found in the supermarkets, it lives up to it. It has a complex profile with black cherry, tobacco and a blend of spices, plus there is an obvious hint of tannins providing a dry, velvety texture. It is this spiciness that means that it works well with cheeses, particularly mature cheddar, for that ideal combination on your wine and cheese nights with friends!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £12.50

Well, you heard it here first, these red wines will be the ideal Easter treat, alongside those Easter eggs, of course, and are perfect in your glass to celebrate the joys of spring! There’s now no need to wait until winter to enjoy a great glass of red, so all that remains is the burning question - which one will you be tempted to try first?

If you’re interested in more quality drinks for the return of sunny days, then ready-to-drink cocktails have never been better - here are five we love!

By Latoya Austin

10 Irresistible Chocolate Liqueurs For All Spirits Lovers

If no one’s buying you an egg this Easter, then what about a chocolate liqueur? They are the epitome of luxurious indulgence and unquestionably delicious – well, these ten are anyway. Perfect for cocktails, desserts or just with ice, they’re surprisingly versatile too.

Of course, we’ve got sweet treats here, but with whisky, rum, gin, tequila, vodka, absinthe, wine and more involved, this list shows there’s way more to chocolate liqueurs than just their sweetness. Find your favourite spirit and see how the drinks geniuses have blended it with the deliciousness of chocolate below.

The Best Chocolate Cream Liqueurs

Amaz-In Chocolate Créme Liqueur

This is a rich and velvety dream bringing together Grenadian chocolate and Grenadian rum for big hits of chocolate flavour and incredible smoothness. It’s thick and packed with flavour, most noticeably the creamy chocolate of course, but also more delicate hints of tropical fruits rolled in brown sugar from the rum. This could be drunk neat, with a few ice cubes, drizzled into desserts or of course, chocolatey cocktails – think Espresso Martini.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £37.01

Dooley's White Chocolate Liqueur

If chocolate is top of the tree when it comes to indulgence, then surely white chocolate is the angel on the top. Decadent, delicious, and superb value for money, Dooley’s uses Dutch cream and wild berries to bring a touch of zing to the sweet white chocolate. Premium vodka brings some boozy steel, but its neutrality really allows the chocolatey and fruity goodness to star. Desserts, baking, cocktails – this would be difficult to resist.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £14.54

The Best Dark Chocolate Liqueur

Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur

Smooth and sophisticated, you’ll see the striking shape of Mozart on many a bartender’s shelf. Carefully produced with Austrian chocolate, it combines luxurious vanilla and cocoa, a portion of which has even been aged for added depth. It’s very rich but even with just ice, it’s deliciously balanced. It’s won the prestigious top awards in chocolate categories before and is generally considered one of the top choices.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £14.50

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Whisky Lovers

Riverside Dark Chocolate Whisky Liqueur

The ornate bottle of Riverside sets up some lofty expectations for the liquid inside, and it doesn’t disappoint. Dark chocolate flavours intertwine with rich malty character and this famous combination tastes as delicious as you’d expect. If you’ve always found chocolate liqueurs too sweet before, then the dark chocolate brings some great bitterness here that’s mellowed harmoniously by oaky vanilla and caramel notes.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £23.52

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Rum Lovers

Rumbullion! Chilli & Chocolate

It looks like we have another stunner of a bottle on our hands – what a gift this would make. Strictly speaking, this leans more on the flavoured rum side of things than liqueur (hence the 42.6% ABV), but rum lovers will adore it all the same. Criollo cocoa nibs, chipotle chilli and jalapeño join the original Rumbullion! notes of vanilla, orange, cassia, clove, and cardamom. The end result is an absolute cockle warmer, with indulgent, rich spices. It’s a really interesting, limited release from Ableforth’s that rum lovers should definitely try.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42.6%
Find here: £27.95

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Gin Lovers

Chocao Cacao Gin Liqueur

This is a distilled cacao gin that’s infused with ethically sourced single origin Peruvian Gran Yapatera cacao nibs and husks, before coming to life when bottled in Staffordshire. It’s less creamy and indulgent and more elegant with super smooth mouthfeel and a fruity and floral profile. The familiar earthy juniper notes are there but they battle it out with bitter dark chocolate and smidges of caramel.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: £29.99

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Tequila Lovers

Mis Amigos Chocolate Cream Tequila Liqueur

Spotting the potential of earthy agave with rich chocolate, Mis Amigos have produced yummy results. They’re slightly boozier chocolate and tequila liqueur is fantastic too, but now they’ve added extra decadence with chocolate cream. The agave is peppery and grassy which works a treat with the sweet chocolate for a grown-up milkshake vibe.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £18.67

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Vodka Lovers

Bouvery CV Chocolate Liqueur

This liqueur was decades in the making, combining four times distilled corn vodka with organic cocoa from three South American countries. It’s noticeably viscous in the mouth as those rich dark chocolate notes coat the mouth deliciously. The vodka provides a warming boozy kick, but it’s the chocolate that feels like it’s melting in the mouth that steals the show.

Size: 350ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: £26.49 (usually more!)

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Absinthe Lovers

La Maison Fontaine Chocolat

The much-misunderstood absinthe is a no brainer to merge with chocolate, and La Maison have made a cracking job of it with this one. It’s inspired by a 1920s recipe for créme de cacao found at the distillery, so the chocolate isn’t as intense as most chocolate liqueurs. It’s quite dry for a liqueur, with the cleansing wormwood and herbal flavours coming through strongly, just coated delicately in milk and dark chocolate. By the time the finish comes around, it’s all absinthe flavour so the journey is completely unique and definitely worth picking up for the inquisitive drinker.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 25%
Find here: £22.25

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Wine Lovers

Rubis Chocolate Wine

What a sumptuous infusion this is – Spanish Tempranillo with cacao essence for a super decadent fortified wine. We sort of understand why you might be put off, but trust us, the combination completely works because the balance is spot on. On the wine side, cherries and red fruits are delivered, and all coated with the perfect amount of chocolate flavour.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £13.94 (usually more!)

For all the chocoholics over Easter, try matching them up with some heavenly drinks pairings – you might surprise yourself!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: ASDA March 2024

If you love wine and do your weekly shop at ASDA, then you’ll want to take a look here. We’ve searched this month’s offers high and low and come up with the ten best bottles all for £10 or less. They’re worth a lot more, and if you see one that takes your fancy, you’ve got till the 3rd April to go get it.

ASDA Red Wines March 2024

Mateo Nieves Monastrell

Sweet fruits a-plenty with this Spanish red, think juicy plums, rich raisins and a hefty helping of French and American oak bringing lovely vanilla and a touch of smoke. It’s a full-bodied number in a similar mould to Primitivo and perfect for those who go in for jammy reds.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £6.25 (usually £9.25)

Masso Antico Primitivo

This is Masso Antico’s most loved wine, made from Apulian Primitivo, or Zinfandel to you and us. It brings the warmth of black pepper and spice to be expected from Italian reds in Puglia, and all the history of the Roman Albarello method too. Cool sea air and Mediterranean heat combine with oak ageing for fresh berries, soft tannins, and lingering spice.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8 (usually £9.50)

Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Matured Shiraz Red Wine

This is a really interesting Shiraz aged in Scotch whisky barrels. You’ll find it across the supermarkets, but with ASDA offering it for £10 it’s a no brainer. It’s aged in traditional oak first, before the Scotch finish creating a combination of richness, elegance, and easy-drinking smoothness. Expect plenty of vanilla oak, blackberry, plum and earthy tobacco.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £10 (usually £12.50)

ASDA Extra Special Carménère

This Chilean Carménère pours a seductive dark purple and reveals instant and intense black fruits and pepper on the nose. The palate fills out with heaps of plum and rich chocolate that begins sweet before turning tart. The oaky spice returns to finish off – delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.50 (usually £8)

Faustino Rioja

What great value this Tempranillo from Bodegas Faustino is. It brings the classic profile of Spanish Rioja, with great structure and bright, concentrated fruits. The first sip reveals how silky and balanced it is, and the touch of earthy complexity is a welcome addition.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.75 (usually £12.50)

ASDA White Wines March 2024

Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

This is a vino that goes on quite the adventure before settling into your glass. The Sauvignon Blanc vines are grown in between fierce oceans, historic valleys and majestic mountains, before reaching Villa Maria itself, situated in the crater of a volcano! It’s a classic Marlborough profile so plenty of crisp refreshment, exotic flavours, light gooseberry and no bitterness whatsoever.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10.50)

Freixenet Pinot Grigio

From glorious Garda comes this crystal sip of pure Italian sun. At just 11%, it’s crisp and dry with a soothing quality from the delicate orchard fruits and bright citrus. The floral aroma of honey adds a loveable touch too. How could this not be crowd pleaser?

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

Diablo Golden Chardonnay

This is a buttery Chard that really stands out from the crowd. From Chile’s Central Valley, it takes a few interesting turns with tropical pineapple and passion fruit, oaky, buttery vanilla and also just a subtle touch of stoney steel. Likeable.

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

ASDA Extra Special Rueda

100% Verdejo grapes, this blend has picked up a number of big awards and deservedly so. The star of the show is the mineral salinity that comes through with great freshness, waxy tones, and wafts of smoke. All of that, before floral peachy notes and super crisp apples.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £6.25 (usually £6.75)

Tukituki Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

This would be easy to identify as a Marlborough Sauvignon in a blind taste test, with green pepper, asparagus, and vivid grass. These shades of green do mellow and quickly give way to tropical flavours of passion fruit, all the while keeping a clean zing.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8 (usually £8.50)

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

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Sainsbury’s March 2024

Shoppers of Sainsbury’s listen up. We’ve been pawing through the offers for the best bottles this March, and the offers are superb this month. Check out these ten bottles, split down the middle between juicy reds and elegant whites… and all for £10 or less.

Sainsbury’s Red Wines March 2024

Feuerheerd's Anchor Wine Reserva Douro DOC

In the heart of the Douro region, this delicious Portuguese red is made that bit deeper with a Vintage Port finish for 12 months. There’s so much refined spice and delicately rich black fruits all before the silky finish that lasts for ages. You don’t find many reds that bring bold flavour but also nuanced restraint as well as this for a tenner.

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

Sainsbury's Valpolicella Ripasso, Taste the Difference

This is one of the best value bottles in any UK supermarket. Corvina makes up most of the four-grape blend where dried grape skins are macerated for extra depth and texture. Rich darker fruits come through alongside bright berries and lively spice but despite all that bold Italian flavour, it doesn’t feel heavy at all. Masterfully made.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10 (usually £12)

Mucho Mas Vino Tinto

This is a juicy, easy-drinking red from one of the world’s largest family-owned wineries, situated not far from Madrid. Sweet dark fruits are brimming at the heart of it, supported by a crack of warm pepper and comforting vanilla. Top-notch midweek glugger at this price.

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

Trivento Private Reserve Malbec

Chilean Mendoza Malbec from the Uco Valley at the foothills of the Andes now. Aged for 8 months in oak barrels, the wine darkens with chocolatey notes and spice, most notably black pepper, and nutmeg. Mulled wine comes to mind at times.

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

Porta 6 Vinho Regional Lisboa

The vineyards above Lisbon are cooled by the Atlantic ocean, so the grapes grown there maintain really fresh acid and aromatics. The blackcurrants and strawberries are light and softened by that acidity, leaving a rustic style wine that goes down a treat. Let it breathe for a while though.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

Sainsbury’s White Wines March 2024

Greasy Fingers Big Buttery Chardonnay

We are more than to shout about this from the rooftops whenever it comes on sale because it is divine. There’s no getting away from the ‘big and buttery’ label here that has made a massive impression on us in its short life so far. The butter leaves just enough room for crunchy orchard fruits and a touch of oaky vanilla, so expect more of a Cali Chard profile than Aussie.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

Yealands Sauvignon Blanc

Yealands produce a few Sauvignon Blancs and this supermarket gem is fantastic. It’s a crisp classic delivering tonnes of naturally high acidity, offset harmoniously with tasty tropical fruits like guava and peach, and all underwritten by lovely herbaceous notes too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10.50)

Sainsbury's Coolwater Bay Marlborough Sauvignon, Taste the Difference

What a great price this is for quality Marlborough Sauvignon. It’s got that beautiful dryness and exotic mango, lime, and papaya that you want. The minerality definitely comes through, as do hints of fresh herbs. It’s crisp and delicate and simply delivers on exactly what you want.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £11.99)

Barone Montalto Grillo Sicilia DOC

100% Grillo grapes from Sicilain winery Barone Montalto have produced an absolute gem here. Citrus (most notably grapefruit) floods the nose and after the first sip, you’ll notice that this is a big, weighty white with tropical fruit sweetness and a flicker of green fruits. Very nice.

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

Elegant Frog Viognier

Say hello to the Elegant Frog, a Languedoc Viognier from Jean-Claude Mas. Part of the blend is aged in oak barrels to enhance the aromas of floral peach, as well as the richness of dried fruit on the palate. The aftertaste is particularly strong for a Viognier but we love it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7.75 (usually £9.25)

Other Great Discounts Worth Checking Out:
RED WINE
Wise Wolf Cabernet Sauvignon - Was £12 Now £10
Santodeno Negroamaro - Was £11 Now £9
Barossa Ink Shiraz - Was £11 Now £9
Artesano Organic Malbec Cab Franc - Was £10.50 Now £9
Greasy Fingers Luscious Red - Was £10 Now £8.50
Terre di Faiano Organic Nero di Troia - Was £9.50 Now £8

WHITE WINE
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc - Was £10.75 Now £8.50
19 Crimes Chardonnay - Was £9.50 Now £8
Most Wanted Regions Rueda Sauv Blanc - Was £9.50 Now £8

ROSÉ WINE
Roches de Provence Rosé - Was £10 Now £8.50

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

How to Choose the Best Corkscrew for Your Favourite Wine

Photo Credit: Will Wong

You just want to crack open your favourite bottle and pour yourself a glass. Surely it can’t be that difficult!? So why are there so many types of corkscrews? Which is the best and do you need more than one?

Drinking wine should be a relaxing experience, but a crumbled cork, or one stuck part way down the neck of your bottle is anything but. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at five of the most popular corkscrews and answer those questions, so you find which one is right for you and the wine bottle you are trying to get into!

What are The FIVE Most Popular Corkscrews?

The Waiter’s Friend Corkscrew

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Chances are, if you walk into most restaurants or bars, you’ll find waiters, bartenders or sommeliers using one of these, the most common corkscrew out there.

Pros:
1. Small and portable
2. Affordable
3. Comes with a blade to cut the foil.
4. Doubles up as beer or crown cap opener.
5. The adjustable hinge makes it easy to draw the cork with leverage, as long as you pierce the cork in the middle and drill in a clockwise direction.

Cons:
1. For brittle old or dry corks in aged bottles, the need to drill twice might snap and break the cork.

The Screwpull Corkscrew

Photo Credit: Will Wong

This is a variant of the more common design widely available.

Pros:
1. Extremely easy to use. Place the opener over the bottle neck and just turn clockwise.
2. The cork is drawn without the need to pull.

Cons:
1. No foil cutter or crown cap opener attached. 
2. A little bulkier and generally pricier than the Waiter’s Friend.

The Butterfly or Winged Corkscrew

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Designed by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi in 2003, with Anna’s smiling face. This is a designer and collector’s item for your wine connoisseur friends, or yourself. Other designs and brands are available.

Pros:
1. The double arms or wings make opening a bottle a doddle. 
2. As you twist clockwise down the cork, the arms raise automatically.
3. You just need to push them down to the default positions and the cork is drawn.
4. Some other models double up as crown cap openers with their top.
5. A wide range of designs and materials available.

Cons:
1. No blade or foil cutter attached.
2. It does most jobs effortlessly but may not be foolproof for an old and brittle cork.

The Lever Wine Bottle Opener

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Highly intuitive and simple to use: turn the lever by three-quarters of a circle till the worm/spiral is raised. Securely hold the two handles round the neck of the bottle; then reverse the lever to its original position and now the worm is totally inserted into the cork. Now, turn the lever once more and the cork is drawn effortlessly. 

Pros:
1. Most designs come with a stand as well as a foil cutter. 
2. This is probably our favourite option for either natural or synthetic corks.

Cons:
1. Bulkier and heavier than most other options; not really portable.
2. A wide range of prices depending on the brand and design.

The Two-prong (Ah-So) Wine Bottle Opener

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Also known as the Ah-So opener, this is best for very old bottles (10 years +) with natural cork which could have become dry and brittle. You push the longer prong down one side of the cork, followed by the shorter one on the opposite side. Then wiggle it back and forth to slide the two prongs further down. With a firm grip on the sides of the two prongs as well as the top handle, slowly turn the cork to draw it whilst feeling your heart beat. 

Pros:
1. It does not pierce through the cork thus reduces the risk of snapping it.

Cons:
1. Best use a foil cutter to make a clean space.
2. Requires trial and error, and a little practice on how best to wiggle the two blades down the sides of the cork, before turning and drawing it.

Which Corkscrews Work Best With The Most Common Bottle Closures?

The Best Corkscrews for A Cork with a Foil Cover

Photo Credit: Will Wong

You can use any of the above; and probably wouldn’t need the Two-Prong one. My favourite at home is the lever as it simply requires two seamless motions with very low risk of pushing the cork down or breaking it.

The Best Corkscrews for A Cork with No Foil

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Such bottles are best stored horizontally in the dark away from fluctuating temperatures. We have had the unfortunate experience of losing half a bottle of natural wine on the rack; as the pressure inside the bottle pushed the cork out when summer temperatures hit 42ºC!

Having said that, you don’t need a foil cutter and could examine the state of the cork easily against natural light or using the torchlight on your mobile phone.

Again, any of the first four corkscrew options work.

The Best Corkscrews for A Wax Seal

Photo Credit: Will Wong

They look classy and alluring, don’t they? This ancient method has made a comeback especially with natural, organic and biodynamic wine producers. 

Whilst we have seen experienced winemakers use a knife to cut the wax away from the bottle’s rim, others vouch that this is totally unnecessary. You can just pretend there is no wax there and drill right through. Once you’ve screwed the ‘worm’ all the way in, simply pull the cork up and it should break through the wax seal. ‘What if the wax proves stubborn and starts crumbling around the neck?’ you ask. Fear not. Get a piece of clean damp cloth to wipe round the bottleneck and slowly draw the cork. Wipe away any remaining debris and you are good to pour, swirl and sip!

What is the Best Overall Corkscrew?

So, which corkscrew should you get? Is there one best all-rounder or do you need different tools for different bottles?

Well, The Waiter’s Friend probably ticks most boxes. It’s budget friendly, light and portable. We would start with that if you are relatively new to wine, or get a low cost butterfly option.

Opening very old bottles (over ten years in storage or vintage-wise) requires a different approach. Yes, get that foil cutter and wiggle your way through with the Ah-So (not necessarily pricey and widely available online).

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Honestly, the best option is not having to use one at all. Natural cork (mostly from Portugal) has been the industry standard and tradition for centuries; and now increasingly synthetic ones are here to stay. 

Whilst debates between using the more sustainable natural cork and metallic screwcaps carry on, I love their simplicity to open and also the ability to store vertically if you don’t have enough space on your wine rack. There are now premium screwcaps designed to allow varying tiny amounts of air into the bottle.

As seen above, this Austrian producer has cleverly used the screwcap and bottleneck to promote a distinctive visual and national identity. For various reasons, many producers especially in Australia and New Zealand have been bottling with screwcaps for decades. That applies whether the wine costs £40 or £400. This might alter for the once all-important export market in China as screwcaps are perceived as closures for cheap and inferior wines. 

What’s your preferred corkscrew and why? Or maybe you have some tips that have served you well over the years? Get in touch and let us know!

If you’re interested in the right way to store wine correctly before opening it, then we’ve got another guide here on just that!

By Will Wong

Best Wine to Gift Mum this Mother's Day

There’s a reason that a thoughtfully selected, delicious bottle of wine is one of the most popular Mother’s Day gifts. Sunday 10th is just around the corner (hopefully that hasn’t caught you off guard), and we’ve curated a selection of wines perfect for the big day.

There’s something for everyone, beginning with flourishing English wines before luscious reds and crisp whites to finish. The wines we’ve picked here absolutely justify their price tag and beyond, but we’ve included a few different price points so that you can deliver, no matter how much you have to spend. Let’s get into the good stuff and raise a glass to the Mums!

English Sparkling Wine for Mother’s Day

Asquith Gardens Traditional English Sparkling Wine

One of the English sparklers picking up awards on the international stage, this Asquith Gardens wine is made using the traditional method from a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. 5 years of ageing lead to luxuriously fine bubbles, and notes of apple, floral honey, marmalade, and biscuit. It goes toe-to-toe with far more expensive Champagne and is a steal at this price point.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £18

Ridgeview Fitzrovia Rosé NV

Fit for a Royal (and a President), this blend was chosen to be served at many Buckingham Palace banquets such as Obama’s visit in 2011. It’s harmoniously balanced, delivering fresh notes of raspberries, a little honey sweetness and a zip of citrus. It pairs perfectly with shellfish and lean fish and is an outstanding example of English sparkling rosé that is bound to make Mum’s Day!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £40

Chapel Down Rosé Brut

One of the trailblazers in English wine, Chapel Down make a stunning sparkling rosé that’s brimming with fruits. Strawberry and raspberry lead the charge, flanked by bright lemon and lime and supported by delicate orchard fruits. It’s so crisp and balanced and every sip reminds you that you’re in safe hands. It really is a top notch English sparkling rosé and is excellent value for money too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £29

Champagne for Mother’s Day

Champagne PIAFF Blanc de Blancs NV

Where there’s a celebration, Champagne is never far away but with lofty price tags, you want to make sure you’re getting bang for your buck. From Mansard’s Côte des Blancs vineyard comes this dreamy 100% Chardonnay expression, with a striking, persistent mousse lifting the floral and subtly nutty nose. Beyond that, delicate white fruits, brioche fullness and pleasing minerality build a solid structure. The wave of freshness comes first, before the mellow pastry profile takes over. It’s intense and restrained in perfect measure and exactly what Champagne is all about.

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

Red Wine for Mother’s Day

Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

This is Cali Zinfandel from Lodi that’s full-on in the best way possible. 18 months of American and French oak ageing has developed a tasty bouquet of red and dark berries. The fruits come through with intense concentration of flavour- think woody Christmas spice, plush blackberry and a really unique coconut note. Smooth, quaffable and deeply delicious. Perfect for a red wine loving mum.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £12.50

Malbado Malbec

Mendoza Malbec now and this bottle really is superb value for the money. It brings that signature Argentinian profile - warm, smooth, and seductive with dark fruits with a subtle waft of smoke (perfect for hearty meat pairings). Peppery spice tickles the tongue nicely at the end too. It’s rock solid Malbec with great character, and a sure fire hit with most Malbec drinking Mums.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £12.50 (usually more!)

DV Catena Malbec

This is one of those great wines that makes you think the price tag is wrong because it has so much going on. A Mendoza Malbec, the cocoa and coffee bean notes are rich, the dark plums and cherries are concentrated and floral vanilla notes add a delicate touch. Silky, spicy and one of the best in the supermarket- Mum would never guess it is £13!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £13

Bread & Butter Pinot Noir

If your Mum likes Pinot Noir, and particularly American Pinot then this Napa Valley wine is perfect. It balances the lofty, floral and pretty nose with a distinct earthy, almost leathery note. The barrel really shows with strong vanilla oak, and of course the signature red berries dazzle at the heart of it all. A perfect gift for Mum.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £13.50 (usually more!)

White Wine for Mother’s Day

McGuigan Black Label Moscato

This delivers on all the sweetness you want with a Moscato, but for such a low price it does so much more. Guava, kiwi and lychee make for a tropical whirlpool, holding onto some sour tang for great balance. It’s surprisingly refreshing, and not over sweet (the downfall of many Moscato bottles). A really fun and affordable Australian sipper that may just become Mums regular favourite.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8%
Find here: £6.50

Graham Norton's Own Sauvignon Blanc

Made by Invivo, this is a great Awatere Valley Sauvignon from the nation’s favourite chat show host, Graham Norton. You’ll notice straight away after the first sip that it’s less up forward fruit and more savoury, saline, and even a little smoky. The classic grassy hints come through too. Some celebrity wines are a bit dodgy, but this is really, really nice.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.50 (Clubcard Price)

Mount Impey Malborough Sauvignon Blanc

In the Marlborough Wairau Valley stands Mount Impey, the peak of the Holdaway family’s biodiversity reserve. This vast landscape is home to countless species under threat, including the New Zealand Eastern Falcon adorning the label. Every purchase of this wine helps to support this effort. But crucially, what’s inside is a delight too. The green vegetal notes and gooseberry intertwine with bold citrus and soft peach. There’s a really good kick of acidity too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £11 (Clubcard Price)

1000 Stories Chardonnay

This is an eyebrow raising wine, in the best way possible. If you haven’t heard of 1000 Stories, they focus on fermenting their wines in charred ex-bourbon barrels. Their Chardonnay is a really yummy example, reimagining the Cali classic with toasted caramel and oaky vanilla. Expertly though, the loveable characteristics of the grape are not lost, because in come those delicious orchard fruits with a little citrus zip. Great for a Mum who likes exploring twists on classic wine profiles.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £13.50 (Clubcard Price)

If you’re after some other drinks for Mother’s Day, then check out our recommended Spirits and Ciders that are perfect for the occasion.