On the grapevine
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS ON... TOP DROPS TO PAIR WITH BRITISH FARE
IT’S almost harvest festival time and the spotlight is on British Food Fortnight (Sep 21-Oct 6). We’ve rounded up a combination of week-day wines to champion our rich, homegrown bounty.
Ridgeview Marksman English Sparkling Brut Blanc de Blancs 2014, Sussex, England
(£24, Marks & Spencer stores)
From the only British vineyard to be ranked in
The World’s Best Vineyards’
Top 50, this sparkling chardonnay is a terrific match with fish and chips. Apple orchard fruits and notes of brioche are underpinned by beautifully balanced acidity to cut through the batter.
Le Vignobles Ferrandiere Organic Rose 2018, IGP Pays d’Oc, France
(£6.99, Aldi) A new release and perfectly in tune with Organic September, its expressive, fruit-driven nose, easy-drinking, strawberry-fruited acidity and bright finish offer outstanding value for so much flavour and freshness. A reliable choice to dress up roast chicken.
Winemaker’s Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018, New Zealand
(£6.99,
Lidl stores) With gorgeous grassy aromas, nettles and herbs leading to passion fruit and lemony-lime flavours on the palate that feel tangy rather than prickly, there’s sufficient intensity and citrusy acidity to pair with oysters, garlicky shellfish and smoked mackerel paté.
M&S Pecorino 2018, Terre Di Chieti, Italy
(£8, Marks & Spencer stores) A delicious discovery from the Abruzzo region, on the Adriatic coastline, the pecorino variety produces dry, minerally wines. This textured white, with its lovely blossom, citrus and white peach notes, is the perfect match with goats’ cheese, fresh seafood, creamy chicken and pork.
Cepa Lebrel Rioja Crianza 2015, Spain
(£5.49 Lidl stores) Sometimes it’s nice to stick to the classics, like a cracking good crianza with bangers and mash or lamb cutlets. A traditional style, with a kiss of vanilla oak, ample briary fruits and savoury spice.
Florel Malbec 2018, San Juan, Argentina
(£9.99, Virgin Wines) A ripe, fruity style that hits all the right notes with its silky smooth blackberry and plummy fruit flavours, sweet spice and perfumed aromas. San Juan’s Malbec is cited as being less concentrated than Mendoza’s. It sings out for cottage pie or roast beef with