The Austrian Bubble

From Champagne to Prosecco, even English sparkling wine, it seems we just can't get enough of fizz. And as our thirst for the bubbly stuff grows, it's starting to throw a spotlight on the lesser known fizz-producing parts of the world. Like Austria. Susie visited the country...

Surani Pietrariccia Fiano 2016

Surani Pietrariccia Fiano 2016, 13%, Italy (from £8.99, Majestic) I recommended this versatile Piano to go with Lawrence Keogh's squid-ink risotto with saffron chilli squid on Saturday Kitchen. It's a stunning recipe, really vibrant not just in flavour terms but also its striking yellow-and-black colour on the plate. The...

Chafor Vintage Rosé 2014

Chafor Vintage Rosé 2014, England (£45, Chafor Wine Estate) I recently had the pleasure of chairing the brand new UK Wine Awards. A task that involved spending two, very enjoyable days tasting nearly 300 English and Welsh wines along with a panel of industry experts. There was a...

Tapa Roja Old Vines Monastrell 2015

Tapa Roja Old Vines Monastrell 2015, Spain (£9, Marks & Spencer) When you've got a chef who looks remarkably like Wolverine - then you need to pull a wine out of the bag that will put hairs on your chest. So to speak. Tomer Amedi was cooking a beautifully heart-warming...

Muga Rioja Rosado 2016

Muga Rioja Rosado 2016, Spain (£9.99, Waitrose or via WineSearcher) I do like this new vintage of the Muga rosé - it strikes a lovely balance between intensity and elegance, and it works beautifully with food too. I recommended it on Saturday Kitchen to go with crispy chicken thighs,...

Pasqua Passimento Bianco 2015

Pasqua Passimento Bianco 2015, Italy (from £8.99, Majestic) We've recommended this beautiful white on Saturday Kitchen a few times now - and make no apologies for it. It works really well with food because not only is it delicious in its own right, it also has a richness...

The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2015

The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2015, New Zealand (from £12.99 for 375 ml, Majestic or via Wine Searcher) It's isn't easy finding good sweet wines to suit not only your own taste but also to go with the food you have before you. What's more, the good ones just don't...