Good wines for boating
Peter’s Lunzer has handpicked a list of some of the best wines for storing and drinking on board. The aim is to have a mixture of wines suited to every scenario.
Denbies Greenfields, English sparkling wine
Few remember that the Brits invented Champagne – Christopher Merret’s paper on how to make fizz was delivered in 1662 before Dom Perignon had been near the Abbey of Hautvillers. Denbies has harnessed the qualities of the UK climate to make a very acceptable wine. Waitrose offer, £23.99
Bernard Haas et Fils, NV, Cremant d’alsace
It’s always worthwhile seeking out a Cremant. The word ‘Cremant’ alludes to the creamy texture of this wine, which is ideal for those less keen on the aggressive bubbles of Champagne. Enough character to match a selection of canapés before lunch. www.colombierwines.co.uk, £15
Pol Roger Brut Reserve, NV, Champagne
This is a renowned Champagne from Winston Churchill’s favourite producer. It’s not overpowering but has a refreshing balance which would suit any bright morning or as an aperitif later in the day. Waitrose offer, £29.99; www.lunzerwineevents.com, £28
Martín Códax, Albariño 2015, Rias Baixas
Albariño shot to popularity from a standing start in the late 1990s. This versatile grape is grown extensively in Galicia and Martín Códax is one of the most successful producers. Often compared to chardonnay for its complexity but its richness is not cloying. Majestic Wines, £10.95
Gavi 2015 La Toledana, Italy
Gavi has become as well known as Chablis, and like ‘Hoover’, all sorts of average producers have jumped on the bandwagon. La Toledana is an exception and represents remarkable value for money. Majestic Wines, £10.49
Puligny-montrachet 2010, Domaine Jacques Carillon
From the original 1632 estate of Louis Carillon, two brothers, Jacques and François, each produce their own wines, sharing the vineyards of the original estate. Puligny is a real treat but should never be rushed, can benefit from decanting and is a great accompaniment to seafood. www.montrachetwine.com, £39
Whispering Angel 2015, Château d’esclans
Some of us struggle to get over the prejudice against rosé, built up over decades due to some thin and acidic examples from the south of France. That’s history, and we’re now being wowed by beautifully crafted pink wines. Whispering Angel is one of the finest examples of this new breed. www.lunzerwineevents.com, £15.20
Peregrine Pinot Noir 2012, Central Otago, NZ
When the sun is shining and a lunchtime red is required, we are big fans of the thin-skinned pinot noir grape. It was discovered that the southern New Zealand island had the perfect microclimate in Central Otago. The wines continue to develop and enthrall. Majestic Wines, £19.80
Copertino 2012, Masseria Monaci, southern Italy
A little-known DOC in Italy where 30-year-old Negroamaro grapes produce a beguiling wine. It is not especially light, but the ripeness of fruit makes it remarkably drinkable with antipasti or a pizza. The price is generous because of the wine’s official pedigree but this should not be a barrier. Majestic Wines, £7.99
Château Lamothe-cissac 2009, Haut-médoc
This property is on the Haut-médoc side of the border with Pauillac and specifically, the vineyards of Mouton Rothschild. We would not compare the two wines but the quality and roundness of LamotheCissac is more than reminiscent of its illustrious neighbour. www.lunzerwineevents.com, £30
Segla 2005, 2nd wine of Château Rauzan Segla, Cru Classé, Margaux
Some of the best wines of Bordeaux have followed the example of Château Latour who in the 1970s, created a ‘2nd Wine’. It matures sooner than the Grand Vin and throws less of a sediment, which is not a bad thing for bottles at sea. Incidentally, Segla is Swedish for sailing! www.laywheeler.com, £30.52
La Réserve de Léoville Barton 2005, 2nd wine of Château Léoville Barton, Cru Classé, St Julien
St Julien when properly made can be very long lived. Given its longevity, this wine will last on board for many years and can be proudly produced when serving beef (a pan-fried ribeye to match the wine’s subtle tannins). www.wilkinsonvintners.com, trade price £390 per 12 bottles
Château de Fargues 1995, Sauternes
Long before the Lur Saluces family bought Château d’yquem, they owned Château de Fargues. The expertise in creating this gustatory smorgasbord is unquestionable. Remember that although Sauternes is sweet, it is the dazzlingly refreshing acidity which makes this wine sing. www.biwine.com, ~£50
Royal Tokaji, 5 Puttonyos 2009, Hungary
Although the history of this wine is lengthy, it has only recently been brought to the public’s attention; 5 Puttonyos is the number of pots of concentrated grape pulp which is added to the barrels of fermint grape. The result is a sugar-acidity balance, making the wine light and refreshing. Majestic Wines, £21.60
Warre’s Otima, 10-year-old tawny port
If a harvest is not great in Porto, wines can be kept in wood to make Tawny. After ten years in wood, Warre’s Otima has lost a lot of its original corrosive potential. With the tannins and acidity tamed, this port is smooth and very drinkable. The ideal temperature to serve is lightly chilled: 8-10°C. Waitrose, £11.99
Blandy’s, Harvest 2008, malmsey, Madeira
Madeira wine is fortified – adding brandy to the fermentation preserves natural sugar – just like port. Where production differs is that almost by accident, it was found that cooking the wine made it delicious and almost indestructible. An open bottle of Madeira will not go ‘off’ for literally years. Waitrose, £13.99