We’re lucky enough to taste all kinds of drinks given what we do and in Drinker Discoveries, we pick the best of the bunch. This week, I bring you a wealth of stunning sippers for the sunshine, from European aperitifs to perfect pinks and even a new generation of cocktail cherry.
Enjoy!
Helena x
Rosé Wine Star
Le Grand Cros ‘Aurelia’ 2019
This rosé wine stood head and shoulders above its peers in a recent tasting; I was blown away! Hailing from the Côtes de Provence, it was a wine created by Julien Faulkner at Le Grand Cros to showcase the very best of their terroirs and he named the wine after his eldest daughter, Aurelia. Made in a fuller-bodied, creamier style thanks to lees ageing, more skin maceration and a touch of oak ageing, it’s packed full of fresh peach and ripe strawberry with a subtle note of rose and red appleskin. Its rich texture makes it an ideal gastronomic rosé and one that can be tasted all year round. This is going to be my Christmas lunch wine!
Find it here at Faulker Wines for £28.95
Awesome Aperitifs
Graham’s Blend no. 5 White Port (19%)
Port & tonic is the refreshing aperitif they’ve been drinking in Portugal for years, but it’s now making a splash in the UK. If you're thinking ‘how can Port be white?’, it’s when white grapes are used to make this famous fortified wine, such as Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, Códega, Sercial and Viosinho. White Ports are usually made to be drunk young and work really beautifully with all sorts of tonics. This very pretty one from Graham’s was created with Port and tonic in mind, so it’s citrusy and floral with notes of lime, orange and subtle fresh herbs. A great gin alternative.
Find it at Waitrose and Master of Malt for £21.99 - £24.99
La Gitana Manzanilla En Rama 2020 (15%)
Following the fortified wine theme, this savoury, dry sherry is a special version of Manzanilla called ‘en rama’. This is a style that’s released more in its natural state than standard Manzanillas, and so has more texture and complexity. Sherry lovers go mad for them and their twiglet-esque, yeasty notes. Made with pure, free run juice directly from the barrel, it boasts concentrated but tangy flavours of salted almonds and baked bread with a classic chamomile note. The perfect aperitif in hot weather and an ideal drink for salty snacks and cheeses.
Find it at Virgin Wines for £16.99
No and Low
Fortnum & Mason Rosé Sparkling Tea (0% abv)
This elegant looking bottle is the perfect, non-alcoholic replacement for Champagne and Prosecco in looks and taste. Made with a blend of eight of Fortnum’s certified organic teas, it’s a delicious drop that feels like a treat thanks to the complex aromas and flavours from all the teas as well as a very wine like tannic grip. Aromatic, with stronger notes of jasmine tea and hibiscus, it’s light in its feet and a great food drink too. I’m stocking up! 150mg Caffeine per 1L
Find it here. For £16.95
Something and Nothing Seltzers (0% abv)
Finally! Something lighter and drier than a soft drink and that tastes all natural. These look great too with their super smart, matte white packaging. These elegant drinks are made with fresh, carbonated spring water and infused with subtle, all-natural flavours. They are incredibly refreshing alternatives to tonics and more sugary, soft options and come in three flavours: Cucumber, Yuzu and Hibiscus and Rose. Try them alone or go from day to night and mix it up with a spirit or Prosecco in spritzers. As a bonus, these are low calorie, vegan and come in recyclable aluminium cans and cardboard packaging.
Find them here on their website in cases of 12 for £23.75.
Drinky Product
Cocktail Cherries (400g or 1kg)
The cocktail cherry is back and it’s absolutely delicious! Made by hotel Starlino based in Piedmont, Northern, Italy, these Italian Marasaca cherries are sourced from Naples and are bright and plump, delivering a concentrated hit of sweet cherry and a natural tang to keep it all fresh. De-stoned and ready to go, they make the perfect garnish for Manhattans, Negronis or other cocktails but you could also use them in desserts too -on top of cheesecakes or ice cream particularly. Yum!
Find the 400g pot at Amazon for £8.89.
Like these? See our other Drinker Discovery articles here and here!