RAISE A GLASS
It’s that time of year when you should be thinking about treats for dad. I’m giving you a couple of ideas to get your thinking caps on for Father’s Day on June 20.
My first is a delicious chardonnay, which would be great to serve alongside a celebration meal for dad.
The name Penfolds Max’s Chardonnay 2018 (£19.99 Waitrose, or a buy six deal at Majestic) indicates that it should be pretty special. The clue being the word “Penfolds”. The producer is one of the most famous and praised in Australia. The grapes for this wine grow in the cool Adelaide Hills, which helps them develop long and slowly. This keeps the acidity high and fresh and creates longlasting flavours when you sip.
Citrus is playful on the palate and stone fruits happily rise up for some competition. French oak rounds off the flavours in a little toast and vanilla.
On another day I was wowed by Penfolds Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz 2018 (£29.95, Ocado) which speaks of blackberries, cherries and chocolate. Both of these Penfolds choices should also wow dad.
I’ll stay in the southern hemisphere with Tesco Finest Central Otago Pinot Noir (£13). It is made in partnership with producers Villa Maria.
Central Otago is on New Zealand’s South Island, home of the southernmost vineyards in the world. The landscape is stunning and I love to dream of it as I sip a wine from there – especially my favourite grape pinot noir.
This Tesco pinot isn’t the most complex I’ve tasted from this region but it still delivers. It has red fruit aromas and flavours which linger and tease. Treat dad to a barbecue with lamb steaks and this wine for a perfect Sunday.
Dads like port (daughters do too). This gift pack from Aldi is the best excuse to serve a sharing platter of cheese after dinner. Fletcher’s LBV Port in Gift Tube (£9.99) is available in Aldi stores and online from June 10, just in time for dad’s special day. It has a dried fruit, figgy nose, with fresh plums, pepper and a long spicy, fruity finish.
Here’s a toast to all dads.
■ Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.