Here are three more interesting wine ideas for the bank boliday
Ialways think that the bank holidays in May see the beginning of the summer season and with the additional holiday due to the Coronation, there is an extra weekend as well. Here are three wines for the first Bank Holiday weekend and fingers crossed the start of summer.
Viognier is a grape variety that I always associate with summer with its aromatic nose that is reminiscent of ripe peaches, apricots and orchard blossom, it is one of the most exotic of all white grapes I think. It has also become increasingly popular over the last decade or so, partly due to the contribution of Australian producer Yalumba. Yalumba ‘The Virgilius’ Viognier 2019 Eden Valley (Ocado £40) is the currant vintage of what is in my opinion one of the great wines of the Southern Hemisphere however if you want to start a little more gently then Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Viognier
2021, South Australia (widely available including Sainsbury’s £9.00, Tesco £8.00, Majestic £9.49 or £8.49 as part of a mixed 6) is fantastic value for money. It’s has peach, citrus and orange blossom before a clean, fresh palate with a little richness but well by balanced by some zesty grapefruit acidity. Pair this with Chicken and apricot tagine.
Whispering Angel has in many ways done for Provence Rosé, what Cloudy Bay did for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and it does now seem to make an appearance at every fashionable event of the British summer. Whispering Angel 2022, Côtes de Provence (widely available including Sainsbury’s £20.00, Majestic £23.99 or £7.99 as part of a mixed 6, Waitrose £19.99) is the latest vintage to arrive, pale pink in colour, the bouquet is quite delicate and offers water melon, red berries and rose petals, followed by more red berries, a touch of spice, crisp acidity and a long, almost silky finish.
Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux
Jacques 2021, Louis Jadot (Tesco £12.50, Ocado £12.00, Asda £11.00) is almost the perfect summer red, which works best served slightly chilled. There are ripe cherries, plums and raspberries on the nose, followed by more juicy red fruits, silky tannins, fresh acidity and just a little spice on the finish. Serve this with a roast chicken in the garden or barbequed, firm textured fish.
Alistair Gibson is proprietor of Heritage Cellars. Call 07712 669973 or e-mail alistair@heritagecellars.co.uk