Wyfold Brut 2011, 12% (from £26.99, Laithwaites) Barbara Laithwaite has turned her talented hand from working with her husband Tony building the Laithtwaite's/Direct Wines empire (which they continue to do) to crafting this elegant, expressive English fizz from a south Oxfordshire hillside not far from their home...
Villa Borghetti Valpolicella Ripasso 2013, 13.5% (£10.99 when you buy 6, Majestic or via Wine Searcher) So what to choose with a classic bolognese ragu with focaccia by the delightful Italian maestro Gennaro Contaldo? There are plenty of options, from Bardolino (in a lighter style) to Chianti (in a...
Chatel-Buis Montagny 2013, 13% (£10.39, Waitrose or via Wine Searcher) I recommended this classic white Montagny to go a with a suitably classic, elegant dish on Saturday Kitchen by Frederick Foster - paupiette of sole with wild mushrooms and herb sauce. We found that a good Chablis also works...
Domaine André Perret Merlot, Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes 2014, 13% (£9.95, The Wine Society) It’s fair to say both the label and style of this southern French red are a bit funky – edgy even. Not for everyone, maybe. But part of the reason it’s so...
Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Blanco 1986, Spain (c. £400, L'Assemblage, Cru World Wine, Brunswick Fine Wines or use Wine Searcher) Sometimes, very rarely, a wine comes along that stops you in your tracks. Shifts your take on the world, almost imperceptibly, but a minor earthquake all the...
Domaine de la Grange des Pères Rouge 2013 IGP Hérault, France (£45 Yapp Brothers or use Wine Searcher) An extraordinarily delicious blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Counoise that will blow you away this autumn. Domaine de la Grange des Pères has achieved iconic status. This red...
Puerto Fino Solera Reserva, Emilio Lustau, Spain (£16.50 Fields, Morris & Verdin or use Wine Searcher) As I wandered from table to table at ‘The Great Sherry Tasting’ on London’s Southbank, I began to wonder how on earth I would choose my ‘Top Tip’ out of such...
Sesti Monteleccio 2014, Italy (£15.99 per bottle for case of 12, Armit Wines - or use Wine Searcher) This Monteleccio is a fabulous value wine from one of Montalcino’s most celebrated wine estates, Sesti. We visited not too long ago and were captivated by the stunning scenery...
La Grange des Combes 2013, France, 14% (£9.99 when you buy 6, Majestic) If you like your reds a bit funky, this is a bargain. Strictly speaking, this Grange des Combes is AOC St-Chinian-Roquebrun, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. It’s peppery, meaty and full of...
Royal Tokaji Dry Tokaji 2015, Hungary, 13% (£7.99 when you buy 6+ until 26.9, Majestic) It’s always refreshing to come across a white with a bit of attitude. This Royal Tokaji Dry Tokaji was lurking with intent at the recent Majestic press tasting. The Tokaj region is more...