Looking to try something a little different this month. We’ve handpicked eight of the very best wines on the market to taste in March.
Francesc Ricart Cava Brut NV
Francesc Ricart Brut NV is a stylish sparkling wine with a creamy texture, sweet hints of honey and zesty citrus fruit flavours. The wine was made from a careful selection of the best Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Perellada grape varieties. Cava is made using the méthode traditionelle also employed in Champagne whereby the wine is fermented a second time in the bottle to achieve bubbles. The wine also spent 14 months ageing in bottle.
Food match: As an apéritif with seafood such as grilled shrimp.
Where to buy: £9.99 Cambridge Wine Merchants, £12.99 The Vine King & £12.00 The Sampler.
Bodegas Pascual Buró Vendimia Seleccionada 2012
This wine comes from Ribera del Duero in northwest Spain and is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes. Buró has spent 10 months ageing in French and American oak barrels. Vineyards in Ribera del Duero tend to be at high altitudes, so low night time temperatures help to preserve the acidity in the grapes. This is a primary example of a full bodied Ribera, with velvety tannins, intense cherry and toffee flavours, and a refreshing and lingering finish.
Food match: Steak in red wine sauce.
Where to buy: £14.95 swig.co.uk.
Masi Riserva Costasera 2011
This wine is made using the appassimento technique, whereby the Valpolicella region’s traditional Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara and Oseleta grapes are laid out on bamboo racks to concentrate their aromas during the winter months. The result is a classically full-bodied and complex wine, with intense and mature dry fruit aromas and baked plum flavours with hints of coffee and cocoa.
Food match: Lamb chops and game, or with an after dinner cheeseboard.
Where to buy: £46.99 AG Wines.
Franciacorta Rosé DOCG Contadi Castaldi
Pale pink. Fresh and inviting in the nose, characterised by floral notes of linden blossom, citrus nuances of white peach and slightly spicy scents of green pepper. Very elegant and classic. Made according to the traditional method, this Franciacorta is made of 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Negro. Aged on its lees for 24-30 months.
Food match: Enjoy with vegetarian pasta or rice dishes.
Where to buy: £22.90 Tannico.
The Ned Pinot Rosé 2016
A sensitively handled blend of two Pinot varieties; one where the Noir delivers of long, saturated core of pure berry fruit flavour with crisp acid edges and a lightly dying tannin tail whilst the Gris provides the perfect juxtaposition – a subtle richness that lends fruit sweetness, fresh and palate texture. All fruit harvested was destemmed in the vineyard. Gently pressed, each variety fermented separately in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with select yeast strains.
Food match: Try with turkey larb – stuffed fresh spring rolls.
Where to buy: £10.99 (or £8.99 for mix 6) Majestic.
The Langham Classic Cuvée 2013
The Langham Classic Cuvée 2013 is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Barrel fermentation and 24 months lees ageing provide layers of complexity behind a nose of peach, greengage and buttered toast. The palate is beautifully poised and bursting with flavours of crunchy green apple and grapefruit. It’s perfect now or age for up to 3 years.
Food match: This wine is suited to all occasions and drinks equally well on its own or with dishes such as chicken or steamed fish.
Where to buy: £24 langhamwine.co.uk.
Black Noble 10 Years Old
Created by Darren De Bortoli, Black Noble is inspired by a 1930’s wine made by his grandfather, Vittorio De Bortoli, who started the Australian winemaking family. De Bortoli family produces the world critically acclaimed sweet wine Noble One thanks to a fungus called botrytis or Noble Rot, which allows for the production of the best sweet wine.
When the botrytised Semillon grapes are being harvested for Noble One, a parcel of fruit is selected to produce the Black Noble intense and ripe botrytis flavours. Very little fermentation occurs before fortification. A neutral grape spirit is then added to inhibit any further fermentation. After clarification, a touch of brandy spirit is added for further complexity before being transferred into used Noble One barriques. The fortified wine has been aged for an average of 10 years.
This particluar Black Noble has tasting notes of rich raisin and dried date fruit with hints of citrus peel, toffee and caramel flavours on the palate. Concentrated and viscous with a lingering aged complexity.
Food match: Try poured over vanilla ice cream, a sticky pudding or with a cheese platter after dinner.
Where to buy: £21.83 General wine.
3G.H.Mumm Rosé (Hint: perfect for Mother’s Day)
From one Mumm to another! Dare to try Maison Mumm’s beautifully crafted Rosé champagne, a combination of luscious red-fruit flavours and hints of caramel and vanilla.
Food match: This spectacular creation can be savoured as an adventurous apéritif, or enjoyed with red berries and desserts, making it the ultimate gift for all those Mum’s this Mother’s Day!
Where to buy: £41.99 Ocado.
