With the clocks jumping forward and the nights becoming instantly longer, it won’t be long before the scent of barbecues and sounds of excited chatter from gardens fill the air. Longer and warmer days are upon us and to make the most of this we’ll certainly see a rise in social gatherings now that the hibernation period is behind us.
What better way to toast the new season and celebrate spring time get-togethers and Easter events than with a glass of your new favourite wine? From lighter reds to an array of white wines and sparkling tipples as well as a hefty helping of rosé options, here are our top wine picks to sip on this season.
Red
The Black Pig Merlot 2022
Australian Merlot is often overlooked but this little number is perfectly ripe, smooth and has a lovely, delicate, spiced edged, with notes of plum, blackberry and vanilla. It goes ideally with cuts of roast pork.
Price: £10.99
Where to buy: virginwines.co.uk
Moillard Bourgogne Gamay
Since its creation in 1850, Moillard produces wines of a rare fineness, being elegant and well-structured. On the palate this wine reveals delicate, red fruit aromas that will match perfectly with grilled meats.
Chilling Tip: A chilled red should be around 6°C. A fridge is set to between 3-5°C, so ten minutes or so out of the fridge should put your bottle at the perfect temperature.
Price: £11.50
Where to buy: tesco.com
Domaine Bousquet Organic Malbec 2021, Uco Valley
Domaine Bousquet is Argentina’s No. 1 regenerative organic certified winery. A combination of high altitude and organic winemaking results in wines which are particularly expressive, with exuberant fruit characteristics, balance and complexity and a tangible sense of terroir.
Bottled in the UK to reduce carbon footprint, this 100% Malbec is unoaked and fermented in stainless steel on the lees.
Price: £12.50
Where to buy: vintageroots.co.uk
Les Hautes Terrasses Cotes du Rhone 2021
A blend of carefully selected and expressive parcels from around the Rhône to exhibit the region’s world famous style – soft-fruited, approachable, but full-bodied. This Grenache/Garnacha Blend wine is a real triumph with gentle, ripe plums, cherry and delicate floral scents. Great with roasted meats.
Price: £13.49
Where to buy: virginwines.co.uk
Château de Sabazan, Saint-Mont 2018
This medium bodied red wine hails from this flagship estate, part of the Plaimont group of co-operatives in south-west France. Made from Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinenc grapes, expect a smooth and straightforward finish. Best enjoyed now, or can be kept until 2030, with duck confit, roast duck, roast goose and strong cheeses.
Price: £16.50
Where to buy: thewinesociety.com
Francois Martenot Bourgogne Pinot Noir
This ruby red Bourgogne Pinot Noir is a well-rounded lighter option. On the nose you’ll find aromatic fruits of blackcurrants and gooseberry, aromas of spice and toast on the palate with ripe and rich tannins. The perfect drinking temperature is between 14-15°C and cellar potential is up to two years.
Price: £17
Where to buy: ocado.com
The Kings Series ‘Wrath’ Pinot Noir
Marisco Vineyards takes its name from proprietor Brent Marris’ notorious ancestors; the de Mariscos who, in the 12th and 13th centuries, inhabited Lundy Island, off England’s south-west coast. The Kings Series wines were created to celebrate the scandalous stories of those ancestors.
In 2003, Marlborough born and raised Marris, acquired 268ha of vineyards on the banks of the Waihopai River, on the southern side of the Wairau Valley and produces his award-winning wines here.
With this 2018 Pinot Noir, expect to find delicious aromas of loganberry, damson plum with hints of lanolin supported by toasty oak. The palate is rich and mouth filling due to a complex tannin structure with blackberry and cassis flavours intertwined with an opulent smokiness.
Price: £18
Where to buy: Ocado
Tommasi Rafael Valpolicella Classico Superiore
Managed by the family’s fourth generation since the winery’s inception in 1902, Tommasi has become one of Italy’s most recognised creators of Valpolicella and Lugana.
Bright ruby in colour, this easy drinking red wine has very approachable sweet cherry and chocolate flavours. It’s also hugely versatile equally at home with pasta dishes as it is with spicy oriental dishes.
Price: £18.99
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Qvevris Saperavi
One of Georgia’s most established wineries, Tbilvino creates quality wines using the ‘qvevri’ method, where juice is fermented with the grape skins in giant clay pots (qvevris) buried in the ground. This creates red wines that are thicker in texture, spicier, more peppery and meaty in character versus conventional red wine.
Made using 100% Saperavi, this wine highlights the grape’s typical floral aromas, alongside lively bold flavours of forest fruits. Dark violet in colour, with a well-balanced tannin structure and offers aromas of ripe cherry and red berries, is an ideal pairing with meats such as roasted lamb, steak and pork.
Price: £19.99
Where to buy: laithwaites.co.uk
Perez Cruz Winemaker’s Selection 2020
The Maipo region is one of the best in Chile for Bordeaux varietals (which this contains aplenty). The notes of ripe red currant and blackberries are highlighted with a classic touch of tarragon and laurel and accented with black pepper, vanilla and figs. Perez Cruz is certified by the Wines of Chile Sustainability Code. Goes very well with a red meat roast.
Price: £21.99
Where to buy: virginwines.co.uk
Le Faite Rouge, Saint-Mont 2018
This French red, made from indigenous grape varieties – Tannat, Pinenc and Cabernet Sauvignon from the foothills of the Pyrenees, has a strong identity and pays tribute to Gascony’s winemaking heritage. A bold, dry wine, this is best enjoyed now and would perfectly pair with blue cheese, beef or lamb.
Price: £22.05
Where to buy: corneyandbarrow.com
Domaine Gayda La Petite Villa
A testament to the ancestral terroir of Minervois La Livinière, this blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache highlights the characteristics of the appellation and the biodiversity of the terroir. Whilst respecting tradition, this organic wine is also in tune with the times.
In the glass, this new AOP Minervois La Livinière cuvée reveals a dark cherry colour with garnet highlights, heralding a full-bodied, expressive wine. On the nose, a bouquet of black fruit and spices reveals notes of black cherry, blackberry and clove. This initial nose is supported by fresh aromas of peppermint and sweet cocoa bean notes. On the palate, a fine structure emerges with a supple, intense attack, offering a pleasant velvety texture and a spicy finish with young but promising tannins. Aromas of black fruit, garrigue, cocoa, pink pepper and fresh tobacco unfold fully, offering a rich, complex taste experience.
Price: £27
Where to buy: domainegayda.com
The Wine Flyer’s Mt Difficulty ‘Bannockburn’ Pinot Noir
Mt Difficulty ‘Bannockburn’ Pinot Noir offers an intense yet light Burgundian-esque sip. Aromas of delicate spice and red cherries, meet savoury flavours of mushroom and earth, making for an ideal accompaniment to roasted meats or vegetables.
Price: £29.99
Where to buy: The Wine Flyer
Akitu ‘A2’ Pinot Noir
A superb example of a Central Otago Pinot Noir. Brimming full of character and silky flavours, this red wine shows superb balance with enough juicy red fruit, tannin and acidity to satisfy even the most demanding of palates. Cherry flavours are well supported by the hints of spice and clove whist there is a subtle hint of orange citrus in the background.
Price: £29.99
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Gusbourne Pinot Noir 2022
The nose is brimming with ripe dark berries, morello cherry and a smoky, earthy note. On the palate the wine feels soft and elegant, yet rich, dominated by ripe berries and cherries, with black plum and wild strawberry. The fruit notes combine beautifully with more earthy and soft spice flavours, graphite and a smoky mineral character. The tannins are supple and give the wine a delicate structure, leading to a long finish.
Lighter meat or rich vegetable dishes work really well with this wine – why not try smoked duck and beetroot salad, roasted quail, or a wild mushroom risotto?
Price: £40
Where to buy: gusbourne.com
White
Domaine Bousquet Organic Chardonnay 2022, Uco Valley
Domaine Bousquet’s location in The Uco Valley, which lies at 4,000ft in the foothills of The Andes in Argentina, is perfect for organic winemaking. Thermal amplitude ensures grapes fully ripen whilst retaining natural acidity; sandy soils are good for both drainage and optimal vine-stress; and the roots of organic vines penetrate more deeply which means better absorption of trace minerals. This results in wines which are expressive, have exuberant fruit characteristics, balance and complexity and a tangible sense of terroir.
100% Chardonnay, this wine is unoaked and fermented in stainless steel on the lees.
Price: £12.95
Where to buy: vintageroots.co.uk
Finca Manzanos Seleccion de la Familia Rioja Blanco 2022
This is hand-crafted by talented young winemaker, Borja Ripa, who is making his mark with modern, fruit-led wines that retain a sense of tradition. This white Rioja comes from a small independent family owned bodegas and has grapefruit, soft pear, honeysuckle and almond notes with a lingering finish of stone fruit.
Price: £12.99
Where to buy: virginwines.co.uk
Arthur Metz Alsace Riesling
With this you can expect to find a fresh and well-rounded style of wine with aromas of orange and mandarin, finishing off with typical mineral notes. A perfect partner for zippy Asian salads, Arthur Metz Riesling is proof that despite its reputation, Riesling is not all sweet.
Price: £13.25
Where to buy: ocado.com
Cramele Recas Cuvee Blanc Wildflower
In an industry typically dominated by men, Cramele Recas is proud to have a winemaking team that is 80% women. This talented group of winemakers are responsible for turning the more than 1,200 acres of vineyards into the delicious wines we know and love.
The Cuvee Blanc Wildflower not only looks beautiful, but inside you will find a crowd pleasing white wine. Chardonnay, Feteasca Regala, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat Ottonel combine to form a zesty, complex, and intense wine. You’ll find notes of white peach, stone fruits on the nose, and a fresh, fruit-packed palate of yellow melon and citrus, and is perfect served young with seafood salads or oriental dishes.
Price: £14.49
Where to buy: adnams.co.uk
Villiera Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc
This Chenin Blanc was made by Nathan Valentine, who earned his stripes at the renowned De Morgenzon winery, as well as in California and the South of France, and you can taste his expertise in every sip. It’s spent time on its lees – this process transforms the wine into something more textured and complex and it results in a full-bodied wine with a balancing fresh finish. To find the ideal pairing, enjoy with asparagus, the classic spring vegetable!
Price: £14.99
Where to buy: majestic.co.uk
Chapel Down Chardonnay 2023
Launching on April 2, just in time for spring, ‘Chapel Down Chardonnay’ is the wine producer’s first release from the excellent 2023 vintage. Misconception of Chardonnay is based on the heavily oaked new world styles of the 1980s and consumers have since moved towards other grape varieties in search of crisper, fresher white wines. However, thanks to a maritime climate and longer growing season in the Southeast of England, Chapel Down Chardonnay delivers a higher acidity and crisper flavour that is sure to surprise and delight wine drinkers across the country.
With notes of ripe apple and citrus with a creamy texture, this white wine is sourced from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Garden of England. Crafted with the same attention to detail as Chapel Down’s best-selling Flint Dry and Bacchus white wines, this latest addition captures the fresh, crisp and fruit-forward style favoured by UK consumers. This refreshing wine is a perfect partner to grilled chicken, seafood linguine, or asparagus with poached eggs.
Price: £15
Where to buy: chapeldown.com
Qvevris Kisi
Tbilvino winery uses their qveri method – where juice is fermented in clay pots underground – with white grapes to create orange or amber wine, where the liquid takes on the deep orange colour of the tannin and compounds of the skins.
A unique, dry amber wine produced from selected Kisi grapes, displays fresh hints of ripe pear, peach and almond. The low acidity makes it the ultimate spring refresher to perfectly pair with veal, lamb or a barbeque of any kind – just right for a light meal on a warm Easter Bank Holiday evening.
Price: £15.99
Where to buy: waitrose.com
Chapel Down Bacchus White Wine
If you’re looking for a refreshing change from your everyday white wine, Chapel Down’s Bacchus White Wine is the perfect choice.
Having gained recognition as one of England’s top still wines and Chapel Down’s best-selling white, this fragrant wine is crisp and refreshing, with a nose full of gooseberry, elderflower and melon notes. An unbeatable choice for all occasions.
Price: £17.99
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Henners Gardner Street Classic white 2022
Only 6,000 bottles of this Sussex white were created from this vintage, which included Bacchus and Chardonnay grapes. Uncomplicated yet sophisticated with hints of white currant and lime zest softened by a creaminess balanced with fresh acidity and vibrant elderflower and orchard fruit aromas.
Price: £18.49
Where to buy: virginwines.co.uk
Donnhoff Riesling QbA
Superb example of what exactly off-dry wine should be like. Just a touch of acidity keeps this delicious wine in balance.
Donnhoff Riesling is a German white wine celebrated for its aromatic intensity, offering notes of green apple, lime, and hints of floral and mineral elements. The palate is off-dry and crisp, featuring flavours of citrus, peach, and a lively acidity, leading to a vibrant and invigorating finish.
Price: £18.49
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Langlois Chateau Sancerre 2022
Sauvignon Blanc at its delicately refreshing best. Gentle citrus aromas and flavours coat this wonderfully refreshing white wine. Great served chilled as an aperitif and highly recommended with Goat’s Cheese.
Price: £20.99
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Domaine des Malandes Chablis
A classic Chablis with citrus notes of pears and apples bring a pleasing roundness to this refreshing wine. Lovely structure, balanced between fruit and light acidity. Vegan-friendly.
Price: £23.49
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Moillard-Thomas Chablis Premier Cru
After 12 months of ageing with regular lees stirring for complexity, the wines are then expertly blended. With a sip of this Moillard-Thomas Chablis Premier Cru you can expect floral and mineral aromas with citrus fruit flavours and a long finish. Its refreshing acidity pairs perfectly with oysters and sushi.
Price: £29.99
Where to buy: majestic.co.uk
The Prisoner Wine Company Chardonnay
The Prisoner Wine Company prides itself on defying convention through its bold wines. Director of winemaking Chrissy Wittmann and her team work with over 100 growers in northern California, bringing together exceptional fruit to produce a family of intriguing wines unrestricted by tradition.
This Chardonnay offers delightful notes of lemon zest and peach crumble which are harmoniously balanced by a vibrant acidity, creating a refreshing and sophisticated taste profile. This versatile wine is an ideal companion for white fish, dressed with lemons and capers.
Price: £42
Where to buy: vinvm.co.uk
Sparkling
Solpiantez Spumante Brut Millesimato 2022
Trebbiano and Garganega thrive in the fresh Italian mountain climate and take on the freshness of their environment and display it gracefully in the glass. There’s notes of crisp green apples, pear and a lemon kick. This works well as an Easter aperitif or with a lovely creamy dessert.
Price: £11.99
Where to buy: virginwines.co.uk
Arthur Metz Organic Cremant d’Alsace
This organic Crémant d’Alsace, hailing from Alsace in Northern France, is a sparkling wine made in the same way as Champagne. It has flavours of citrus, apples, pears, complexity of flavour and fine bubbles. This wine is best served as an aperitif and also works with fish dishes.
Price: £15
Where to buy: ocado.com
Chapel Down Brut NV
Chapel Down Brut NV is a best-selling and award winning English sparkling wine – a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier but also includes Pinot Blanc. Pinot Blanc provides a key point of differentiation, imparting a standout floral delicacy.
Regarding tasting notes, Chapel Down Brut NV boasts aromas of red apple, lemongrass, and freshly baked bread together with hints of strawberry and quince on the palate and fine persistent bubbles.
Price: £24.49
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Wiston Estate Brut NV
The Brut NV combines a purity of green apple and ripe lemon flavours with a rich and complex maturity. This multi-vintage wine is a highly-scented sparkling wine with fine bubbles, lots of toasty, biscuity autolysis from long lees-aging and a long finish.
The journey of this NV wine started in 2008 where a small amount of wine was reserved each year. Each year that grapes are harvested and wine is made, their reserve wines are built up. This allows the producer to create a style consistent year on year and show a piece of Wiston history in every glass – their very best English sparkling wine. This current iteration is made up of 70% of wine from 2017.
Price: £34
Where to buy: wistonestate.com
Hattingley Valley Rosé 2020
Perfect for drinking and gifting, Hattingley Valley’s new sparkling Rosé 2020 is a pronounced wine with bursts of bright red fruit, strawberries, a hint of pomegranate on the nose, and pink grapefruit with a touch of sweet marshmallow on the palate.
This sparkling Rosé also pairs beautifully with an afternoon tea of fingers sandwiches, scones, jam and cream, the sweetest way to treat yourself or a loved one this spring.
Price: £40
Where to buy: hattingleyvalley.com
Champagne Lanson’s Le Black Création
Champagne Lanson’s latest multi-vintage blend of Le Black Création 258 boasts a fresh and elegant style unique to its creation, each bottle is aged for more than four years in the cellars, all whilst retaining the vitality and aromatic richness that Lanson Champagne is known for.
A feast for the senses – on the nose, there is a bouquet of tangy fruit aromas with William pear, apple, and citrus. On the palate, ripe orchard fruit and hints of mandarin, lemon and grapefruit appear. Maturity is also expressed through notes of brioche and dried fruit. Grapes are meticulously selected from over 100 of the finest Crus of Champagne, including 50% of Grand and Premier crus in historical cornerstones such as Dizy, Verzenay and Trépail.
Price: £41
Where to buy: sainsburys.co.uk
Champagne PIAFF Brut NV
The Mansard family has been making Champagne from estate grapes since 1901, with the first bottling produced by current head winemaker Maxime Mansard’s grandfather Bennoni Mansard, who was working with 10 hectares of vines at the time. Champagne PIAFF now has 24 hectares of estate vineyards, but also purchases around 20% of its grapes from local, trusted growers in the Vallée de la Marne. Maxime describes the ‘Mansard style’ as textural, finessed and elegant.
Made up of 35% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Meunier from the chalk vineyards of Vallée de la Marne, sippers can expect creamy brioche and crisp fruit from this elegant and full bodied wine.
Price: £41
Where to buy: Amathus
Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage
This is Nyetimber’s celebrated Demi-Sec, the first of its kind in England. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay, this refined sparkling wine is designed with food in mind, and it pairs brilliantly with classic English desserts such as strawberries and cream and fragrant savoury dishes alike.
With its light golden hues, and tantalising aromas of pure lemon, mineral, honey, and tangerine, on the palate Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage has a lively, sweet lemon start offset by crisp acidity and a very clean, pure structure.
Price: £42.50
Where to buy: nyetimber.com
Langham Wine Estate Blanc de Blancs
Langham Wine Estate is a single vineyard estate nestled in the beautiful Dorset countryside. Taking the greatest of care and pride in the craft of wine-making, they hand harvest the grapes and operate a low intervention approach using the ‘Traditional Method’ that Champagne is made with.
In 2020 the Langham Wine Estate won the coveted Best Sparkling Wine Producer award at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), beating some of the best French champagne houses as well as sparkling wines from around the rest of the world.
Using 100% Chardonnay grapes this is an impactful and elegant sparkling wine. It’s delicate yet weighty in texture with notes of soft ripe pear and honeydew melon, finishing with Langham’s trademark saline nuttiness. It has a minimum of 24 months ageing on the lees and a further six to 12 months ageing on cork after disgorgement. It is great for drinking on its own and also exceptional with food.
Price: £43.95
Where to buy: langhamwine.co.uk
Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2020
Bright golden in colour, with a fine, delicate mousse, Gusbourne’s Brut Reserve shows ripe stone fruits on the nose alongside honeyed citrus, and toasted almond. The palate brims with ripe citrus and orchard fruit notes of pear and red apple, with hints of white peach and raspberry. Soft spice, toasted nuts and custard tart notes sit alongside the generous fruit character, leading to a long, focused, mineral finish.
Pair with fresh seafood, white fish and cheese. Why not try pan seared scallops, a classic lobster roll or Welsh rarebit?
Price: £45
Where to buy: gusbourne.com
Nyetimber Rosé Multi-Vintage
This wine showcases Nyetimber’s passion for sparkling rosé and has us dreaming of long sunny days. Made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the Rosé Multi-Vintage offers a unique combination of aromas, including British summer fruits and shortbread, and its creamy, round texture and refreshing redcurrant, raspberry and cherry flavours give an elegant and silky finish. This wine’s distinctive red fruit flavour lends itself to weightier dishes, including salmon fillets, brown crab, and veal carpaccio.
Price: £46
Where to buy: nyetimber.com
Champagne Lanson Le Vintage 2013
Maison Lanson presents Le Vintage 2013 – a cuvée that is the latest of the prestigious collection which dates back to 1904.
Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, exclusively from Grands and Premier Crus, this cuvée is produced following the original Champagne winemaking principle without malolactic fermentation, which retains the vitality and aromatic richness that Lanson Champagne is known for.
Le Vintage 2013 perfectly balances the fruitiness and power of Pinot Noir and the minerality of Chardonnay. A true expression of its year, it has a chiselled palate and an elevated acidity, whilst upholding a fruity, zesty and fresh finish.
The outstanding harmony of the wine is highlighted with a food match just as excellent, such as an aperitif platter of cheese featuring long-aged Comté, Chaource, Parmesan, or Brie de Meau stuffed with tonka bean.
Price: £52
Where to buy: Available from April in selected multiple retail stores, including Sainsbury’s.
Gosset Grand Rosé Champagne
Gosset’s beautifully presented and delicious Rosé features a high proportion of Chardonnay to create a Champagne that is equally at ease as an aperitif or with a meal. The Chardonnay gives freshness and precision and the addition of a little red wine from Bouzy and Ambonnay contribute fine fruit notes.
Price: £53.99
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Petite Porte Noire Rosé Champagne
Every bubble is an explosion of red fruit, each sip unveiling a deep, robust bouquet. Let it be the star of any occasion, adding a touch of elegance to the night ahead.
Price: £55
Where to buy: harveynichols.com
Gusbourne Rosé 2019
Gusbourne’s rosé is pale pink in colour, with a light, delicate mousse. The nose showcases lots of red fruit and stone fruit notes, citrus zest and fresh flowers, while the palate is dominated by red fruits, with strawberries and crushed raspberries, redcurrants and rhubarb, alongside red apple, nectarine and orange notes.
The wine feels elegant and juicy on the palate, with bright fruits, hints of pink peppercorn and a delicate mineral note, leading to a long, zesty finish. Enjoy with richer fish, lighter meat and game dishes plus lighter, fruit driven desserts. Why not try salmon gravadlax, smoked duck salad or a rhubarb custard tart?
Price: £55
Where to buy: gusbourne.com
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé
Cuvée Rosé Laurent-Perrier Champagne suggests a basket full of small berry fruits: strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, blackberries, redcurrants, and morello and black cherries. The overwhelming sensation is freshness. Fruit dominates the palate. Lively, well-rounded wine which combines structure and freshness.
Price: £59.99
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Champagne Drappier Furoshiki Bottle
This exquisite champagne not only captivates with its renowned quality, but also is packaged in a unique Furoshiki-inspired bottle. Embracing the art of Japanese wrapping, the eco-friendly packaging adds a touch of sophistication to your celebration while minimising environmental impact. Unwrap the essence of luxury and responsibility with Champagne Drappier Furoshiki Bottle, where every pour is a toast to both indulgence and conscientiousness.
Price: £65
Where to buy: Available from independent wine merchants
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
For over 200 years and across seven generations, Billecart-Salmon has been a leading champagne house, characterised by its savoir-faire and perseverance, marked by a quest for excellence. Romantic by its colour, tantalising by its taste, with subtle and fine aromas, Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir vinified as red wine.
Price: £70
Where to buy: Hedonism
Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs
Perrier Jouët Blanc de Blancs is a vibrant, spontaneous champagne brimming with crisp citrus and fresh floral notes. It pays homage to Maison Perrier- Jouët’s emblematic Chardonnay grape, which it interprets in a style unique. Pale gold with hints of green and spring-like aromas of hedgerow flowers makes for the perfect serve to welcome in warmer weather.
Price: £76
Where to buy: Ocado
Champagne de Saint-Gall ‘Orpale’ Grand Cru 2012
This vintage champagne is a testament to the richness of the terroir found in the Côte de Blancs, in plots primarily near Avize, Cramant, and Ogers. Made exclusively from Chardonnay, the golden hue in the glass lends itself to notes of preserved lemon and toast on the nose, which continue in the mouth, melting into flavours of smokiness and butter in the mouth. A champagne of this calibre would be perfect for any festive occasion.
Price: £110
Where to buy: 8wines.com
Rosé
Mollie Côtes de Provence Rosé
Born in the heart of the Côtes de Provence, where producing and sipping rosé is a true way of life, Mollie’s provenance lies with the beautiful vines located on the sunny slopes, where the soil represents a complex geology that is particularly conducive to winemaking. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Rolle grape varietals, Mollie offers an unforgettable taste experience.
Showcasing an ultra-pale bright pink colour with light purple hints, Mollie (12.5%) has an incredibly fresh and delicate nose, with notes of ripe red berries, pomegranate, and tangerine. The palate is flavourful and attractive, well balanced, with a very pleasant freshness combined with an oily-fruity length.
Price: £14.99
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence Rosé
Expect perfumed white peach, bright mango, and passion fruit aromas, along with some rhubarb notes on the nose. Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence rosé offers a really lively vibrant palate, a fresh and saline structure, beautiful zesty length, with intense aromas, making a lovely pairing for a Niçoise salad this spring.
Price: £15
Where to buy: ocado.com
Mythral rosé 2023
Mythral is made from a rigorous selection of the best terroirs of Provence, with the vinification carried out in the traditional way. The blend comprises 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault, with the remaining 10% coming from Rolle, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Ugni Blanc.
Mythral pays homage to the fable of the dragon of Provence ‘La Coulobre’, who inhabited the Fontaine de Vaucluse commune, terrorising the surrounding areas. It was said to have wings, a crest, and a penchant for guarding a hidden treasure hidden in the depths of the Fontaine de Vaucluse. Brave knights attempted to slay the dragon to claim the treasure, but the creature’s magical powers and cunning made it an elusive adversary.
Price: £15.99
Where to buy: majestic.co.uk
The Wine Flyer’s Ultimate Provence Rosé AOP
Beautifully dry and refreshing, this is a classic Provençal rosé with bright red berry flavours and exotic fruit notes complemented with subtle hints of white pepper. A delicately pale rosé, Ultimate Provence Rosé is perfect for spring and is available to purchase through The Wine Flyer, an avios-first wine retailer which allows British Airways Executive Club Members to spend their Avios currency on a range of favourite wines and drinks. Non-members can also purchase using guest checkout.
Price: £18.99
Where to buy: thewineflyer.co.uk
Kylie Cotes de Provence Rosé
Kylie’s premium Rosé expression from the hallowed region of Provence. This is a crisp, dry and beautifully textured wine with hints of pink grapefruit and lemon.
Price: £19.49
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Chateau D’Esclan’s Rock Angel Rosé
From the same stable that brings you Whispering Angel, this is a serious step up. Don’t let the paleness of this wine lull you into thinking this is anything other than very complex. Delicate notes of stoned fruit and Provence herbs with a long, dry finish. This is a serious wine that is seriously satisfying.
Price: £27.99
Where to buy: thebottleclub.com
Dessert wine
Hattingley Valley Entice dessert wine
Made from 100% Bacchus grapes, this dessert wine has a pale lemon-gold liquid with a delicious, honeyed character and a creamy mouthfeel that bursts with aromas of tropical fruits and blossom,. Light yet luscious and notes of lemon and elderflower on the palate, this one-of-a-kind dessert wine is served best chilled and alongside boards filled with big blue and strong, creamy cheeses, or with your haul of chocolate eggs.
Price: £25
Where to buy: hattingleyvalley.com
Non-alcoholic
Wild Idol Sparkling Rosé
A beautiful coral hue in colour, Wild Idol’s non-alcoholic sparkling Rosé is the perfect option for those looking for a delicious serve that doesn’t compromise on taste or style. Created using traditional winemaking skills and the highest quality fruit, the sparkling Rosé boasts blooming floral aromas and red apple flavours. Vegan and gluten-free Wild Idol offers a high quality, non-alcoholic alternative.
Price: £29.99
Where to buy: Wild Idol
Prices are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
