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.
Francois Martenot Pouilly-Fuissé
Grape: Chardonnay
Origin: Maconnais Vineyard, in the South of the Burgundy area near the town of Macon.
Tasting Notes: Slightly golden yellow with emerald lights in colour. On the nose complex, with fruity and nutty notes. Palate marked by a warm harmony combining richness, liveliness and aromatic persistence.
Price & Retailer: £25, Ocado
Link:https://www.ocado.com/products/francois-martenot-pouilly-fuisse-312373011
Château Cantenac-Brown 2006 Margaux
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Secondary Grape: Merlot
Tasting Notes: A truly special fine wine which would be a highly appreciated wedding gift. Aromas of blackberry, cherry, currant and lightly toasted oak. Full-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh clean finish. Cantenac Brown is typically Margaux in character; fragrant and perfumed on the nose and medium bodied and harmonious on the palate.
Price & Retailer: £230 per magnum (£200 mix six), Majestic
Link:https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/chateau-cantenac-brown-2006-61390
Sophisticated sparkling wines perfect for gifting and for wedding celebrations include those from acclaimed Alsatian wine producers Arthur Metz who are celebrating their 120th anniversary this year and won gold at the prestigious “General Agricole” competition (2024) for their Crémant. Arthur Metz harvests their grapes manually.
Arthur Metz Crémant
Grape: Pinot Blanc
Origin: The vineyard extends from the Lower Rhine to the Upper Rhine, between the Vosges and the Alsace Plain.
Tasting Notes: Fine foam and golden colour with amber tints. A pleasant bouquet with distinguished aromas of yellow fruit on the nose with flavours of citrus, apples, pears, complexity of flavour and fine bubbles.
Price & Retailer: £16, Ocado
Link: https://www.ocado.com/products/arthur-metz-cremant-d-alsace-brut-379342011
Arthur Metz Crémant Rosé
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Origin: Alsace, France.
Tasting Notes: Bright pink in colour with an expressive nose revealing notes of strawberry and red fruits. On the palate it is round and creamy with a beautiful length and a harmonious balanced finish. Great with strawberries!
Price & Retailer: £15.50, Ocado
Link: https://www.ocado.com/products/arthur-metz-cremant-d-alsace-brut-rose-379348011
Arthur Metz Crémant Bio & Vegan
Grape: Pinot Blanc
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
accompanied by an aromatic bouquet reminiscent of apple and lemon zest. Very floral notes and good length.
Price & Retailer: £15, Ocado
Link: https://www.ocado.com/products/arthur-metz-cremant-d-alsace-organic-brut-379343011
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.
