Wines for the BBC’s Bill Buckley show
If you’re tuning in for my hour of wines with Bill Buckley, then here are those we have featured, complete with stockist details.
Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house, founded in 1729, but its thinking is thoroughly modern and is most recent innovation is the recycled cardboard ‘wrap’ that has replaced the lavish gift box that used to protect the Champagne from light strike – a bold move, when the previous box was so recognisable, but one to be applauded.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV (£59.99 at Majestic Mix Six price) is arguably its most famous product. 100% Chardonnay, it has delicate citrus blossom and peach skin aromas, with a bright citrus freshness and elegant toasty nougat note on the palate.
Our rosé choice made my top 10 from the Wine Society, at their recent tasting. Rosé Villany Heumann 2020 is £9.50 at The Wine Society. A refreshing, cherry-driven Hungarian rosé that has everything you love, while being a little bit different. Made mostly from Kékfrankos (better known as Blaufränkisch), there’s alpine strawberry and red apple, with a lovely texture and crisp finish.
Lidl’s latest limited edition Wine Tour also has a great Hungarian wine, a Furmint, but I have actually chosen an unusual Sicilian variety from the latest selection. Zibibbo Duca di Castemonte, £7.49 at Lidl , offers real aromatic charm with floral notes and zippy citrus. Zibibbo is the Sicilian name for Muscat of Alexandria. This would be a perfect match for Thai food.
Finally, a wonderful Chianti Riserva that I have had so much positive feedback about since I featured on This Morning back in January. M&S Classics No 23 Chianti Riserva is astonishing value at £8. It’s made exclusively for M&S by the highly respected Cecchi winery in Tuscany. It’s packed with bright red fruit, thoroughly on trend with its well integrated, light touch oak and crack of black pepper.
