Blackwood Clayhill Chardonnay 2017, 11.5%, England (£18.50, blackbookwinery.com) This is a wine that gets us excited - for many reasons. Firstly, it's made from Chardonnay. We're aware that may be problematic for those many people traumatised by soupy, sickly, revolting Chardonnays of the past. But this isn't just any...
Roebuck Estates Classic Cuvée 2014, 12%, Sussex, UK (Enquiries via website) One of the wonderful things about working in wine is the potential for making new discoveries. Roebuck Estates is my most recent. Until mid-June, I hadn’t heard of Roebuck. It was only after chairing the WineGB Awards...
Nivola Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro NV, 10.5%, Italy (£11.99 on mix 6 until 22nd April, then £9.99 until 29th April 2019, Majestic) Lambrusco is having a moment. This brilliant wine shows why. It’s hard to know what to do with sparkling red. But the Italians are resourceful, and...
Why Domaine Etienne Sauzet Bourgogne La Tufera 2017 is a standout from the early tastings of this great but not stellar vintage...
We've been tasting a fair bit of English sparkling wine lately. (Lately?! Who are we kidding...
January is the time of year when Burgundians show off their new vintage. Currently it's hard to cross the road in London without falling over a top-notch Burgundian producer clutching bottles of their 2016s - a year that is notable for reduced volumes due to spring...
M&S Saint-Véran 2016, France (£11.50, Marks & Spencer) If Tom Aikens cooking you pan-fried John Dory with turnips and chestnuts isn't an invitation to crack open the white Burgundy, I don't know what is. This was my Saturday Kitchen pairing for Tom's aforementioned delightful creation. It's the affordable end...
Forty Hall Vineyard Brut 2015, 11.5%, London (£27.99-28.99, farm shop or website) Many wines are rewarding. But this fizz is rewarding on so many levels that recommending it feels like a virtue in itself. Get involved, the glib summary might read, because it will make you feel...
Domaine G. Quillot Côtes du Jura Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2012, 13.5%, France (£8.99, Lidl, from 28th September 2017) Wow. This quirky, appetizing white is quite something. One thing's for sure: it won't be like any other Chardonnay you've tasted. Maybe it's not for everyone. But if you like your...
Finest Viré Clessé 2014, France, 12% (£11, Tesco) 'You've hit the nail on the head with this - I could sit and drink this...