Wines for the BBC’s Bill Buckley show
If you’re tuned in for my wine chat with Bill on BBC Radio Berkshire, here’s a little more detail on this week’s lovely selection of summer wines.
English sparkling is on a roll; it’s winning huge acclaim and we’re seeing lots more of it which can only be good news, not least because the price is also coming down. Here’s a case in point. A couple of years ago Morrison’s didn’t even list an own-brand English sparkler and, now that they do, ‘The Best’ lives up to its name, with its citrus blossom nose, vibrant green apple acidity and smooth, pastry richness. Though most English sparkling wine is still vintage, this one comes from more than a decade ago|: the 2010 harvest. All the more amazing then, that it’s only £18 a bottle. Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Wine (£18 at Morrisons). Lap it up!
Back in January, one of my New Year predictions was a rise in the number of ‘celebrity wines’. Graham Norton’s at it and so is Kylie, and here’s a new one, from American R&B artist Post Malone. Maison No 9 (£19 at Tesco) is a Provence-inspired rosé that screams premium, in its branding as well as its price. Thankfully, the wine won’t disappoint, with its elegant strawberry freshness, hints of papaya and lick of mineral freshness.
There was a time when I tended to avoid Aussie Chardonnay, thanks to its clumsy oak influence, but so much has changed and now Australia really is up there with the best. The Margaret River region, in the southwest corner of Western Australia, makes some really fresh and exciting examples like this one: Filius Chardonnay from Vasse Felix (£12.99 on a Mix Six at Majestic), perfect for summer shellfish supper.
Finally, a new Malbec in the Waitrose range, which went on show at its press tasting last week and is perfect for barbecue. Domaine Bousquet Finca Lalande Malbec 2020 (on offer at £7.49 – usually £10.49 – until 22nd June at Waitrose) comes from the foothills of the Andes, close to the Argentinian wine hub of Mendoza. The vines grow at altitude in Gualtallary, with the perfect combination of bright sunshine and chilly nights, to ripen the grapes and lock in fresh acidity.