Whether looking for inspiration for a wedding celebration gift, or hosting a hen party or wedding or anniversary breakfast yourself, here are some super, rather delectable wines all will enjoy. By Lisa Curtiss
Discover the Essence of Galicia with Mar de Frades Albariño 2023
Mar de Frades, a revered Spanish winery on the ocean’s edge in Galicia’s D.O. Rías Baixas region, invites the UK to embrace its ‘Atlantic Lifestyle’ with the Mar de Frades Albariño 2023. This stunning summer wine, renowned for its saline character, offers a fresh and complex expression of the Albariño grape. Rías Baixas, a vine-growing paradise, is known for its traditional viticulture that respects the environment. Mar de Frades combines the region’s unique soil, climate, grape variety, and winemaking methods to produce a modern Albariño that retains its strong roots.
The Mar de Frades Albariño 2023 boasts a fresh and intense nose with notes of wildflowers, eucalyptus, mint, and tropical fruit. Ideal for summer, it pairs exceptionally well with seafood. This complex, full-bodied wine, encased in a signature deep blue bottle, is vibrant and refreshing on the palate, with fresh acidity and aromatic intensity, featuring hints of minerals, saltiness, and subtle balsamic notes. The wine’s robust Albariño grape thrives in moist, coastal vineyards, resulting in a wine with vibrant acidity and delicate floral aromas. Available from Tesco for £17.00, Mar de Frades Albariño offers a taste of the unique Atlantic character, crafted by acclaimed winemaker Paula Fandiño, recognised as one of Spain’s top ten winemakers by Drink Business.
Origin: The grapes come from partner winegrowers who have been practicing organic farming for many years. The plots are located in the Couronne d’Or, in the north of the Alsace vineyards, as well as in the heart of the Colmar vineyards.
Tasting Notes: Light golden yellow with summery hues. Aromas of white peach and apricot, accompanied by toasted notes and a fresh touch of citrus. The delicate bubbles are almost discreet. They are
Price & Retailer: £15, Ocado
Fine South African Sparkling Wines
Many winemaking regions across the globe create their own sparkling wines, and the South African equivalent of Champagne is known as “Cap Classique.” This wine is crafted using the traditional bottle fermentation process pioneered by the French.
Most Cap Classique wines are produced using two of the three principal Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The resulting wines range from the very dry (Brut Nature) to the dry (Brut) and sweeter varieties (Demi-Sec, also known as ‘Nectar’).
In 2023-2024, nearly 260 South African producers will deliver more than 400 different cuvées of Cap Classique, totaling over 11 million bottles annually. Cap Classique embodies the South African spirit, celebrating great moments with friends and family, good food, and a glass in hand.
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2022
Region: Stellenbosch
12%
RRP £14.99 | The General Wine Company, Simply Wines Direct, Vegan Tipples,Peter Watts Wines,The Savanna
A delightful pale salmon colour with aromas of wild strawberries, field flowers and sourdough bread. The palate is fresh and fruity with flavours of fresh strawberries and raspberry sorbet. Crisp acidity contributes freshness and flair to this delicate rosé, which is excellent on its own and pairs well with most seafood or with light desserts.
Journey’s End Cap Classique NV
Region: Stellenbosch
12%
RRP £22.50 | Noble Green Wines (£20.50 Mix 6)
A blend of red and white grapes displaying the full, balanced yeasty complexity synonymous with a wine made in this style. Notes of citrus, pear, crushed almond and biscuit, this Cap Classique is full bodied and well balanced by fresh zestiness. Try as an aperitif or with shellfish and sushi.
Kleine Zalze Cap Classique Brut NV
Region: Western Cape
12%
RRP £20.95 | Cheers Wine Merchant, Amps Wine Merchants Dike & Sons
A traditional Cap Classique showing elegance and complexity with a long finish. Aromas of strawberry and blackberry fruit flavours complemented by classic biscuit bouquet richness. A lively fine mousse transforms this wine into an unforgettable sparkling sensation. Pack a bottle with your picnic or pair with fish, shellfish or salads.
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2018
Region: Robertson
12%
RRP £23.00 | Majestic (£18.99 Mix 6), Vinissimus, VINVM, North South Wines,Uber Eats
Made from 100% Chardonnay, this is rich, creamy and effortlessly elegant. Expect aromas of lime, green apple and pear. The flavours of citrus, brioche and gentle spice lead to a long finish. Enjoy with seafood – especially lobster, tuna carpaccio or sol – or with sweet soufflés, cake and tartes.
Vergelegen MMV Cap Classique Brut 2018
Region: Western Cape
12%
RRP £35.95 | Lekker Wines Partridges of Sloane Square
100% Chardonnay with a lovely fine mousse and hints of toast, citrus, spice and baked apples. The long, lingering and refreshing aftertaste makes this Cap Classique another excellent aperitif and the wine also pairs well with shellfish – especially oysters. Can be enjoyed now or will age over the next five years.
Babylonstoren Sprankel 2017
Region: Franschhoek, Western Cape
12%
RRP £40.00 | The Newt in Somerset, Wanderlust Wine, Islington Wine
A light straw hue with a youthful tinge of green, this wine has aged for more than four years, which adds the richness of Granny’s butter biscuits and brioche to the vibrant citrus and crunchy apple flavours. Perfectly rounded and balanced with crisp acidity, ripe fruit and palate-cleansing mousse. Sip on its own or with seafood dishes.
