Majestic’s Top Wine Picks This Autumn

Majestic are a household name for a reason, occupying the position of largest specialist wine retailer in the UK. With hundreds of stores and thousands of WSET-trained experts curating their selections, they’re clearly a great place to explore quality wine.

Whilst supermarket selections are expansive too these days, you do often find the same old bottles, so if you fancy mixing things up and looking for more interesting and diverse bottles, check out some Majestic picks below.

These red and white wines from Chile, Germany, and Spain show off their respective regions expertly, and there’s also a couple of bottles from Majestic’s ever growing Definition range that are a real treat. Let’s dive in.

Chile

Terrarum Single Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley

Terrarum Single Estate Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant gem from the pioneering Morandé winery in Chile’s Casablanca Valley. With zesty citrus, tropical fruit, and a hint of herbaceous minerality, this crisp white is pure refreshment. Grapes are hand-harvested and the wine is aged on lees, giving it a lush texture that’s perfect for food pairing. Try it with fresh oysters or a crisp salad – the lively citrus notes make it a match made in heaven. Crisp, fruity, and utterly delicious!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.99 Mix Any Six / £12.99 Single Bottle

Terrarum Single Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley

Sticking with Morandé but moving across to the Maipo Valley, it’s their rich and bold Cabernet Sauvignon next. Aged for a year in French oak, there’s just enough spice and dark chocolate to add depth without overpowering the ripe blackcurrant, plum and cherry notes. With smooth tannins and a touch of tobacco on the finish, it’s a real crowd-pleaser. Pair with a hearty steak or lamb chop for the perfect match.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9.99 Mix Any Six / £13.99 Single Bottle

Errazuriz Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Aconcagua Costa

Errazuriz Single Vineyard Chardonnay from Aconcagua Costa is a vibrant expression of Chilean terroir. This single vineyard wine delivers a zesty burst of citrus and tropical fruits, complemented by a refreshing acidity that’s perfect for seafood pairings—think oysters or prawns. With over 150 years of winemaking expertise, Errazuriz’s commitment to quality shines through in every glass. Crisp, lively, and full of character, this Chardonnay offers a taste of Chile’s finest cool-climate vineyards. Perfect for seafood feasts!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £11.99 Mix Any Six / £13.99 Single Bottle

Germany

Ernst Loosen Pinot Gris

Ernst Loosen's Pinot Gris is a refreshing treat from the Pfalz appellation, really capturing its essence. It’s packed with ripe pear and crisp apple flavours that make each sip a burst of freshness. The lively acidity balances the fruitiness, creating a wonderfully clean and focused finish. This versatile white pairs beautifully with light salads or spicy Asian dishes, making it perfect for any occasion.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £11.99 Mix Any Six / £14.99 Single Bottle

Definition by Majestic Mosel Riesling

Definition by Majestic Mosel Riesling Kabinett is an exciting collaboration with the iconic Dr Loosen winery, a leader in German winemaking. Sourced from the steep, slate-soiled vineyards of the Mosel Valley, this wine embodies the region’s Riesling style. Pale lemon in colour, it offers refreshing aromas of lime, green apples, and Sicilian lemon. On the palate, the lively acidity balances beautifully with flavours of white peach and orchard fruits. At just 8% ABV, it’s a perfect aperitif and pairs delightfully with ceviche, lobster, or Thai dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8%
Find here: £11.99 Mix Any Six / £13.99 Single Bottle

Spain

Viña Pomal 106 Barricas

Viña Pomal 106 Barricas is a limited-edition tribute to the birth of Viña Pomal in 1908, showcasing the rich heritage of this renowned Rioja bodega. With its roots in Haro, Rioja, Viña Pomal has been a favourite since its inception and was even reportedly Winston Churchill's choice! This Reserva, crafted from a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano, offers intense dark fruit flavours complemented by a kiss of toasty oak. Aromas of violets and spices mingle with notes of chocolate and cedar. Perfectly paired with red meats and char-grilled veggies, this wine promises a powerful yet elegant experience with excellent aging potential.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £12.99 Mix Any Six / £14.99 Single Bottle

The Guv'nor VIP White

Introducing Guv’nor VIP Blanco, the exciting new upgrade to the beloved Guv’nor Family range! This unique blend marries hand-selected grapes from Rueda, Galicia, and Valdepeñas, embodying the same rule-breaking spirit as its predecessors. Crafted by the talent at Félix Solís, the Chardonnay grape is aged in American oak barriques, adding depth and complexity. Bursting with aromas of zesty lime, grapefruit, and white peach, it dances on the palate with vibrant passion fruit and yellow apple notes. Perfectly fresh for a Greek feta salad yet bold enough to complement salmon en croûte or roast chicken, this wine is sure to impress!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.99 Mix Any Six / £11.99 Single Bottle

Definition by Majestic Albariño

Introducing Definition by Majestic Albariño, a delightful collaboration with one of Rías Baixas' finest producers, Martín Códax. This textbook Albariño beautifully captures its coastal roots, showcasing fruity notes of peach, apple, and lemon with a refreshing zing. The hallmark salinity adds a crisp minerality that elevates every sip. Born from the collective passion of 50 winegrowers in 1985, this wine is a testament to their dedication to bringing Albariño to the world. Perfectly crisp and lively, it pairs wonderfully with seafood—think crudo, sushi, or fresh fish—as well as soft cheeses and a touch of spice. Cheers to a true celebration of Portuguese winemaking!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £11.99 Mix Any Six / £13.99 Single Bottle

For more wines that punch above their price, check out our latest Supermarket Bargains!

Which Wine Should I Drink Now and What Can I Keep?

Image credit: Will Wong

So many wines from around the world across price points - how do you pick your bottle or two, or even mix 3-6 with the seasonal and perpetual 25% off deals from supermarkets and High Street retailers? Do you buy wines weekly or keep some away for special occasions? With new wines appearing online and on the shelves all the time, how do you judge price vs quality and which wines are worth keeping? 

For the UK retail market, the average spend on a bottle of wine is between £5 - £6.99. Say on a bottle of £6 wine, only 89p is attributed to the wine itself after excise duty, VAT, packaging, logistics and retail margin. Whilst on a £10 and £20 bottle before discounting, the actual value for the wine itself rises to £2.64 and £6.98 respectively. In other words, you get more wine for your money as you spend more per bottle. That does not mean a £20 bottle of wine is necessarily three times ‘better value for money’ than a £10 one though!

There is also a myth that wines improve over time. Yes and no. Red, white and sparkling wines all have different lifespans. As a ballpark, if you paid under £12 (before discounting) for a bottle of wine, perhaps it is not worth extended keeping. There are always exceptions.

Climate change and market conditions (global wine production in 2023 dropped by 10% from the previous year) add pressure on winemakers and producers to release wines for early consumption. Not many of us have the storage space at home for a cellar, or the intention to invest in the services of commercial storage specialists. It is therefore not surprising to see one UK leading supermarket’s own brand range with ‘Storage: It is recommended that this wine be consumed within 1 year of purchase.’ on the back label. Having said all that, some ‘fine’ or even everyday wines will reward us through patience, and a few common sense storage criteria (see below).

The eight wines below are for illustrative purposes, across generic categories and vintages. Accepting each wine is unique, we hope to inspire you through some general principles, in getting the most enjoyment from each bottle now and well into the future.

Image credit: Will Wong

Rosé 

Most pink wines such as this Miraval Côtes de Provence are meant to be drunk young and fresh. Only keep your rosé in the fridge when ready to open. If stored correctly (see below), this could easily retain its crisp freshness for 2-3 years after purchase. Long gone is the perception that rosé is something you sip by the pool on holiday or only in the summer. Depending on individual wines, some rosé pair well with spicy food and the off-dry varieties stand up to fiery chilli. 

Non-Vintage (NV) Champagne or Sparkling Wines

As a very general rule, drink Prosecco within a year of purchase. On the other hand, NV champagne (those without a year on the label) and sparkling wines such as the Balfour Hush Heath Estate Leslie’s Reserve made in the traditional method with secondary in-bottle fermentation deliver more complex flavours and greater intensity, which may well develop further over 1-5 years if stored properly.

Cava made in the traditional method mostly in Catalunya, when unopened and stored properly, can generally last 1-2 years past the expiration date stated on the label. 

Reds to drink now

e.g. Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages, Chianti, Rioja Crianza or other Tempranillo-based wines, and most wines under £12.

Much depends on the grape (inherent acidity and level of tannins in the skin) and also winemaking style. In general, most reds keep longer than still whites due to the tannins (think the slightly bitter and leathery feel from a cup of strong black tea). Even the traditional tannic Bordeaux and Burgundy fine reds are now more approachable when opened relatively young (e.g. vintages 2017/18). 

Rioja (mostly Tempranillo) is a popular red from Spain. It has four ageing categories by law:

• Joven: typically young and fruity, with no minimum ageing requirements and are typically released in the year following the vintage (the year in which the grapes were harvested);

• Crianza: must be aged in oak barrels prior to release. These wines develop additional flavours such as vanilla, smoke and coconut;

• Reserva: such as the above M&S No.21 Lomas del Marques 2015, must be aged for extended periods of time before release, both in oak barrels and in-bottle. The flavours are usually more pronounced and complex than a Crianza. The M&S Reserva 2015 was released in 2021, with a drinking window to 2025; so it is probably peaking now;

• Gran Reserva: subject to the highest minimum ageing requirements and are reflected in their higher prices.

Due to the above ageing requirements, mature Spanish reds are often great value for money when released in the UK, if you prefer wines with greater depth and texture without having to wait another 5-10 years!

Below, we will show you a fine red that is worth keeping.

Whites to drink now

e.g. Pinot Grigio, Viognier / Condrieu, Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, Vinho Verde, Albariño and other Galician whites; and most whites under £12.

In recent years, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough have become the Darling Buds of May, or anytime anywhere. When young, they have that zesty acidity, grassy and asparagus nose with a lemony and sometimes flinty palate. It is rarely marketed as an age-worthy white, unlike the fine whites (chardonnay) from Burgundy such as Chablis Grand Cru or Puligny-Montrachet. 

The above Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is regarded as one of the finest from Marlborough with a premium price tag. It is expected to keep up to five years. Nothing is absolute for wine. Far from being over the hill, a bottle of Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019 from Awatere Valley, Marlborough at less than half the price of the Cloudy Bay was still robust with fresh acidity and a long mineral finish when opened in April 2024. 

We now turn our attention to four categories of wine you might like to keep, if you could resist the temptation.

Image credit: Will Wong

Fine Reds

e.g. most above £12 - Pinot Noir/Red Burgundy, Sangiovese such as Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, Grenache/Garnacha, southern Rhône reds such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Shiraz/Syrah and northern Rhône reds such as Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, Merlot - Right-Bank Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon - Left-Bank Bordeaux, and Nebbiolo - Barolo & Barbaresco. 

The Penfolds Max’s Shiraz 2020 from Adelaide Hills, South Australia was released in 2022; retaining black fruit concentration with high acidity and firm tannins at a whopping 14.5% ABV. These elements together provide the in-bottle conditions to help the tannins soften over time, and develop further complexity till 2031. Of course you can open and drink it now, and it is probably more accessible than its Northern Rhône counterparts (Côte-Rôtie & Hermitage). Given Penfolds’ suggested drinking window, this fine Shiraz is still a baby that needs time to calm down. 

Fine Whites

e.g. most above £12 - Rhône whites such as Hermitage Blanc, Chablis, Chardonnay, white Burgundy, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Riesling. 

Less famous than Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, and not the most widely grown; Riesling is often hailed as the noble grape by wine professionals, but not consumers who often associate it with German sweet wines with low alcohol. Occasional indecipherable labels in only German do not help either. 

Unlike Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling is renowned for its capacity to develop for years, even decades in bottle. As an aromatic grape varietal, Riesling does not need high alcohol to be made into a variety of wines from dry to off-dry, medium and sweet, and from light to full in body

Yet, if you were to taste a fruity and light Riesling from Mosel, Germany, usually between 8-10% ABV, side by side with a bone dry version at 13% ABV from the Clare or Eden Valley in South Australia, they could not be more different. Other fine Rieslings are also produced in Alsace and Austria; such as the Rabl Schenkenbichl Riesling Reserve 2018 (13% ABV) drinking to 2026 at least.

Vintage Champagne or Sparkling Wines

If you look closely at the above Hattingley Blanc de Blancs 2014 from Hampshire England, it clearly states ‘Traditional Method Brut’ Vintage 2014. In exceptional years, a portion of the best grapes are used to create a Vintage Champagne or Sparkling Wine. ‘Brut’ usually denotes dry due to the high acidity and lively dissolved bubbles in the wine. 

2014 was an exceptional year for some of the finest parcels of Hampshire Chardonnay that were used in creating this Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay). 13% of the wine was fermented in old oak barrels to add a creamy and toasty texture to the palate. Ageing on lees for over five years added further complexity. It was only disgorged in March 2020 and released in 2021. This costly and laborious winemaking method produces fine sparkling wine in small quantities commanding very high prices. 

High quality vintage champagne or sparkling wines should keep for 2-10 years after release, not the vintage year.

Sweet Wines

There are different styles of sweet wines such as the Canadian Icewine and German Eiswein made with frozen grapes. Other famous varieties such as Sauternes and the Hungarian Tokaji Aszú are made from ripe grapes affected by Botrytis (Noble Rot), a fungus that causes the water in the grapes to evaporate, resulting in high concentration of acids, sugars and flavours which are essential to produce premium sweet wines. 

This Disznókõ Tokaji Aszú 2017 is made mainly from Furmint, an indigenous Hungarian grape with natural high acidity very susceptible to botrytis. Tokaji Aszú spends a significant time ageing in oak, giving a balance of intense stone fruits (apricots), citrus fruits with vanilla and smoke, and aromas of dried fruit, caramel and nuts. The sweetness and full-body are balanced by high acidity with a long and intense finish. It is a treat with blue cheese, desserts, foie gras or on its own. The 2017 vintage will continue to develop complex flavours for up to 20 years in the bottle.

How should I store my wines?

Wine is a fragile living thing. Temperature fluctuations and strong direct light are combo killers; so a kitchen wine rack is definitely out. They need a consistent temperature, ideally around 13ºC but anywhere between 10-20ºC is acceptable; so avoid proximity to fireplaces or central heating radiators. 

Avoid placing your wines, especially sparkling wines near direct natural or artificial light.

With cork closure, it’s best to store the bottles on their side in a cool, dry and dark place. Screwcaps can be placed upright.

How long should I keep my wines?

Image credit: Will Wong

As you may have probably realised by now, this is a very difficult question besides the above general guidelines. With fine wines, it might be worth buying 3-12 wines of the same vintage if you have the space, patience and budget to open one periodically. This is a luxury and pleasure in being able to chart your favourite wine’s journey in your home.

Fortunately, help is at hand via a little annual wine bible: Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book (Ed. Margaret Rand) published since 1977. Besides the quick vintage charts as seen above, this little gem lists leading producers from Austria to Uruguay; with special emphasis on Bordeaux producers’ best vintages and their readiness to drink. It is indispensable as an up-to-date succinct reference source.

Last but not least, wines are to be drunk. More and more wines are now made to be consumed sooner rather than later. Having the patience and space to store wines properly is likely to be rewarded. But as Margaret Rand put it, some of these laid down wines might outlive you. It depends on how much you like your heirs.

By Will Wong

Five English Bacchus to Try This Spring

Image credit: Will Wong

Most wine drinkers know Sauvignon Blanc, but what about Bacchus? He was the Roman god of wine and vegetation, who showed mortals how to cultivate grapevines and make wine. Humanity then took at least three millennia to honour his immortal legacy, by naming a hybrid grape after him.

The modern Bacchus grape was born in 1933 when viticulturists Peter Morio and Bernhard Husfeld crossed the Silvaner-Riesling with Müller-Thurgau grapes at the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding (now consolidated into the Julius Kühn-Institut, the German Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants) in The Pfalz. The hybrid infant was christened as “Geilweilerhof (Gf) 32-29-133”. However, it was not until 1972 that the German authorities approved it for general cultivation; with its divine rebirth to becoming Bacchus. 

As an early ripening grape, Bacchus does not always achieve high enough acidity to make a single varietal wine in its native Germany. It is often used for blending into Müller-Thurgau, to give the latter more flavour. 

With the cooler climate in England, Bacchus grapes are able to retain higher acidity with lower yield. These conditions result in higher quality wines in a style somewhere between premium French and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It is no surprise that Bacchus is increasingly hailed as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. It is now also the fourth most planted grape in the UK after Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the grapes used in making traditional method sparkling wines.

How does Bacchus taste?

The Bacchus grape is often associated with key aromas of hedgerow, elderflower and pear. Some believe that the floral characters of the grape could be more akin to that of its parent, Riesling. 

In the last decade, English winemakers have been experimenting and pushing boundaries with varying styles of Bacchus such as the five examples below. They range from light, floral and zesty, to gooseberry and cut-grass flavours and then the lightly oaked-aged Kit’s Coty Bacchus from Chapel Down, the largest wine producer in England.

What Food Goes with Bacchus?

The aromatic delicate notes and high acidity pair well with Thai green curry, and Vietnamese cuisine, as long as there is no fiery chilli to overpower the wine.

A more traditional pairing would be fresh seafood, or spring vegetables such as English asparagus in season now. You could also serve Bacchus as an apéritif (still or sparkling) with accompanying canapés.

With a little bottle age, preferably under three years, it becomes more gastronomic. Try it with smoked trout, aubergine moussaka, or goat’s cheese.

We now take a tour around southeast England where these five Bacchus are produced, from Essex to Kent and Surrey…

What Bacchus Should I Try?

Tuffon Hall Single Estate Bacchus Amelie 2022, North Essex

Image credit: Will Wong

Angus and Pod Crowther have been running their hundred-year old family farm and vineyard since 2014. Indeed, this very wine is named after their first daughter. It recently won the local conservation farm prize and then the equivalent for the whole of Essex, one of England’s biggest counties. Sustainability is at the heart of their business practices. 

If you are new to Bacchus, the Tuffon Hall is an ideal introduction to a grape that is no poor cousin to Sauvignon Blanc. Cut-grass, asparagus and lemon on the nose. On the palate, there is generous lemon rind and grapefruit with crisp acidity. As the temperature of your wine rises in the glass, its flinty minerality begins to shine with a long finish so best served between 12-14ºC, and not straight out of the fridge.

It pairs well with fresh or smoked seafood. Oysters, crab, prawns, scallops and fresh salmon all work. Try spring vegetables such as English asparagus and broad beans as well as creamy goats cheese.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £15.99

New Hall Wine Estate Single Estate Bacchus 2022, Crouch Valley, Essex

Image credit: Will Wong

In 1969, the first vines were planted at New Hall Farm by Bill and Sheila Greenwood. Two years later in 1971, the first New Hall Vintage was produced from just over 30kg of fruit.  The wine was made and bottled by Mrs Greenwood in her kitchen - a total of 18 bottles.

Today, New Hall is still family-run under the stewardship of Chris Trembath, keeping it within the Greenwood family with Chris’s daughter Becki as General Manager since 2016. She is now the third generation of the family to be working at the vineyard.

Made by the same former head winemaker for the above Tuffon Hall, Steve Gillham created a very different style here. Still very pale and grassy, this Bacchus is more intense with a big personality on the first sip. The grapefruit then comes through with a flinty and steely finish. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £16.50

Yotes Court ‘On the Nod’ Bacchus 2021, Mereworth, Kent

Image credit: Will Wong

Yotes Court is much more than just a vineyard. It boasts an English Heritage Grade 1 listed property originally built for James Masters in 1656, nestled in 20 acres of gardens. It fell into disrepair over time and in 2008, the new owner Susannah Ricci poured her heart and soul into restoring the main house to its former glory, and transformed the other buildings on the Estate: The Clockhouse, Granary and Garden Cottage, which are all Grade 2* listed buildings. 

At 140m above sea level, a former apricot orchard has become one of the highest vineyard block in England. In the early years the fruit was grown exclusively for one of the UK’s leading still and sparkling wine producers, Chapel Down, with 60 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes harvested annually for their Traditional Method sparkling wines. In 2018, Susannah decided to expand the area under vines and planted a further 10 acres with a view to crafting wines under the Yotes Court brand. Their wines are made in collaboration with Defined Wine Ltd outside Canterbury under the guidance of winemaker Nick Lane.

2021 was only the second Bacchus vintage for Yotes Court Vineyard, with 11,000 bottles released. This very vintage was served on board Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class in June 2023, to celebrate English Wine Week. Compared with Tuffon Hall and New Hall above, this has a much more restrained gooseberry nose and on the palate, it’s all Granny Smith apples followed by pink grapefruit once the wine has had a chance to open up in your glass. Zesty with crisp acidity. Balanced and complex. No need to shout.

So again, avoid serving straight out of the fridge. Take the chilled bottle out 20 minutes ahead and you can keep it cool later. It’s perfect with asparagus and it stood up well against mature cheddar which was a surprise. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £17

Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Bacchus, Single Vineyard, North Downs, Kent

Image credit: Will Wong

A premium flagship produce from England’s largest wine producer in both sparkling and still wines. Chapel Down is the Official Sparkling Wine of the England & Wales Cricket Board, as well as the Official English Sparkling Wine of Ascot Racecourse and the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race. They are also Official Supplier to the London Stock Exchange.

The only lightly oaked Bacchus amongst the five, the Kit’s Coty is an understated and refined gem waiting to be discovered. The nose is subtle and restrained. It definitely is not a copycat of Sauvignon. On the palate, crisp acidity is balanced with green apples and elderflower. 

An elegant and delicate gastronomic wine that pairs well with sushi, but go easy on the wasabi in your soy sauce. Lightly dressed salad also works but avoid vinaigrette dressing or lemon juice that could overpower this wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £30

Litmus Orange Bacchus 2022, Dorking Surrey

Image credit: Will Wong

Probably the only English Bacchus made from six weeks of skin contact with no added sulphur during fermentation. This historic method of winemaking has become once again en vogue in recent years with the Pét-Nat and natural wine following. 

Despite it being labelled as an orange or amber wine, it is pale lemon in the glass. It has a pronounced herbaceous nose, with a grassy undertone. Bone dry on the palate, with a gripping astringency due to the tannins from prolonged skin contact, it is one of a kind. If you like dry rosé, this could make an interesting alternative.

This orange Bacchus with notes of fennel is a little reminiscent of contemporary Greek retsina. Its bold flavour is able to stand up to oily meat or fish. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £20

Why Bacchus?

England made headlines with outstanding sparkling wines that rival some of the best Champagnes. And now with the warmer climate, the quality and quantity of still wines such as Bacchus are on the rise. 

If you are a fan of the steely Pouilly-Fumé or Sancerre from the Loire in France, or the aromatic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, it is really worth trying English Bacchus that share some of the citrusy and herbaceous characteristics. It is an understated grape that awaits your discovery and appreciation; with lower carbon footprint too.

If you are based in the UK, why not visit your favourite producers this spring and summer? Many have cellar doors and tasting rooms, with open days and guided tours for you to learn more about the people and places behind their labels. Go explore!

By Will Wong

Wine Lovers Must-Know: The Ideal Serving Temperatures for Every Bottle!

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Whether it’s a weeknight after a hard day’s work, or you have been planning to open that bottle on a special occasion, there is nothing more important than serving your wine at the ‘right’ temperature. Whites well chilled. Reds at room temperature. Sorted, right? Yes and no.

There is a tendency for white wines to be served too cold, and red wines too warm - even in some bars and restaurants. We wouldn’t go so far as dipping a thermometer in every glass but being aware of it makes a surprisingly big difference to your enjoyment of the wine.

The average temperature of a domestic fridge is 4-6ºC, which is too cold for most whites or Rosé. But have you heard some seasoned drinkers even lightly chill their reds? The wines below are examples of the most commonly drunk categories in the UK; with the suggested temperature range as general guidelines. Our palate is highly personal so trust what works for you and your drinking companions. It is more art than science!

Sparkling and Sweet Wines

Photo Credit: Will Wong

The basic rule is, the lighter or sweeter the wine, the cooler the serving temperature – around 5-10°C. Too cool is better than too warm as a cold glass of wine will quickly warm up indoors or outside in the summer. 

A fine sparkling wine such as the Busi Jacobsohn Blanc de Noirs 2018 or Champagne equivalents are best served straight out of the fridge (4-6ºC) and kept cool in a bucket with ice and water, or wrapped in a rapid Champagne cooler you keep in your freezer. Remember that as the bubbles dissipate, your glass of fizz is warming up too. When served too warm, the sparkler can lose its sparkle and taste flat, if not totally lifeless. Vintage champagnes would benefit from a slightly warmer range between 8-10ºC to help its subtle nuances emerge. 

The Royal Tokaji Blue Label Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2014 is a delicate and refined sweet wine from Hungary which goes down a treat with blue cheeses and fruit desserts. It is best served between 7-10ºC but experiment with even warmer temperatures as the honey nectar opens up in your glass. 

Rosé and Light-bodied Young Whites (e.g. Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio)

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A typical Provençal Rosé such as the Miraval Sainte Victoire and aromatic dry whites such as the Faustino Rivero Ulecia Albariño from Rías Baixas, Galicia in Spain and the Shaw+Smith Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide Hills, South Australia will all benefit from 20 minutes out of the fridge before serving. The three wines above have very different characteristics so experiment between 10-14ºC. Should you find the second glass begin to feel a touch warm, you can put the bottle back in the fridge for 10 minutes, or wrap a rapid wine cooler around the bottle and it will regain its freshness within minutes. 

What happens to a bottle of fine white served too cold?

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Forgetting to heed my own advice, this scrumptious LDNCRU Bacchus 2021 was immediately served straight out of the fridge (6ºC) when dinner was ready. There was hardly any nose. Was it over the hill? The first glass was bland with none of the tasting profile suggested on its back label: grapefruit, gooseberry and lemon zest aromatics with a herbaceous finish! By the second glass with the bottle left at room temperature (18ºC), the grapefruit flavours became evident with underlying minerality which is not so common with English wines. When the third glass was poured, oh my, there was a steely and complex salinity that would have worked so well with the food at about 15ºC. Too late as there was hardly any wine left in my only bottle! Lesson learnt.

Light Reds, Fortified wine and Fine Whites (e.g. Beaujolais, Darker Sherries and Best White Burgundies)

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German Pinot Noir or Spätburgunder tends to be lighter than their New World counterparts (e.g. California, New Zealand and Oregon); and most Burgundy reds. If you wish to taste the wine at room temperature and find it a little flat or even lifeless, when it is too warm in the summer, it is indeed advisable to lightly chill your bottle in the fridge for 20 minutes. Pinot Noir is very sensitive to temperature change, and you should be able to taste the difference from a previously missing freshness. Try between 11-14ºC.

There is a wide range of sherries from Andaucía, Spain. The above On the QT Oloroso lies somewhere between the palest and driest Manzanilla (best drunk well chilled at 6-8ºC) and the sweetest Pedro Ximénez (PX) served at room temperature. Our palate also changes if the wine is drunk with hopefully complementary food rather than on its own. Oloroso can be served lightly chilled (12-14ºC) or at room temperature (18ºC) according to your preference.

The Domaine Jean Monnier & Fils Meursault is a fine Burgundy white that deserves care and respect. Such whites or their New World equivalents such as some Californian Chardonnay or South African Chenin Blanc are best served not too cold (14-15ºC).

Aged and Fine Reds (e.g. Barolo, Finest Bordeaux and Red Burgundies)

Photo Credit: Will Wong

You might have heard of suggestions to open your aged or fine red and let the wine “breathe”. That is true but it does little to nothing as the surface area of the wine in contact with oxygen is so small.

The above Brunello di Montalcino 2016 and Château Saint-Ange St-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 are two fine reds best decanted at least two hours ahead of serving, to avoid sediment in your glass and let the wine aerate to release the aroma and unlock its full potential at room temperature. By that, we mean 18ºC and not full-blast central heating or the average Australian summer.

So if necessary, you can also lightly chill your finest reds before decanting. They will warm up rapidly with a large surface area exposed in a typical decanter, letting you discover the dark fruits, spice and tannins in harmony or not.

Photo Credit: Will Wong

There is no precise temperature to serve any particular wine but avoid anything over 20ºC. We hope you experiment with the above general guidelines, and through trial and error, you will find that sweet spot where your tasting experience is greatly enhanced. But on your next summer holiday, will you ask for an ice-bucket for that bottle of fine red you ordered?

By WIll Wong

A Beginner’s Guide to Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is an aromatic grape that grows best in cool to moderate climates to help preserve its delicate flavours. Its characteristics include herbaceous aromas such as grass and asparagus, blossom, and green fruit (think green apple or gooseberry). However, In warmer climates, riper flavours can develop such as passionfruit or pineapple.

There are many fantastic Sauvignon Blanc producing countries out there, but this article will mainly focus the two countries arguably most renowned for their world-class Sauvignon Blanc: France and New Zealand.

What is sauvignon blanc from france like?

The spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc is the Loire in Northern France, so much so that it is the only grape permitted for use in Sancerre AOC and Pouilly-Fumé AOC found in the Central Vineyards of the Loire. AOC stands for Appelation Origine Controlee and means that there are stricter regulations to uphold in the area in order to use the specific region on the label. You can expect wines from the Loire Valley to have flavours of green apple and wet stones. Pouilly-Fumé specifically is known for making beautiful wines with smoky notes as well! Here are some great bottles to try:

Tesco Finest Pouilly-Fume

Pouilly-Fumé is part of the Central Vineyards of the Loire. This wine from Tesco has a high acidity balanced by refreshing green flavours of gooseberry and lime, as well as the classic smoky note that the region is known for.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £14.00

Specially Selected Touraine Sauvignon Blanc

Touraine is closer to the ocean compared to the Central Vineyards where Pouilly-Fumé is situated, and therefore you can find more of an ocean influence in this bottle. Flavours of lemon and grass are dominant in this wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £7.49

Bordeaux also uses Sauvignon Blanc in its white wines, however, these wines are typically blended with Semillon to add body to the wine. White Bordeaux blends are also often oaked.

Château Saint-Jean-des-Graves

This classic example of a white Bordeaux blend has the usual citrus notes of a Sauvignon Blanc with more weight to it thanks to the Semillon. This wine is also able to age in the bottle to add more definitive oxidative flavours such as raisin or dried apricot.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £9.99

Alternatively, more producers from the ‘New World’ such as South Africa, Australia and Chile are releasing their own White Bordeaux interpretations.

Kleine Zalze Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

Stellenbosch is known for its reds, but also makes some brilliant whites. This bottle from Kleine Zalze includes tropical notes of pineapple and passionfruit on the nose.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.50

Tesco Finest Western Australia Sauvignon Semillon

Howard Peak is the producer used for this Tesco Western Australia blend. The grapes go through hand-sorting to ensure only the best grapes make it to the final wine. On the palate you taste a beautiful blend of lime, green apple and gooseberry with a hint of grass.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.00

What is Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand like?

New Zealand has done an amazing job at creating a sterling reputation for Sauvignon Blanc production. The overall climate is on the cool side, however, what makes a difference in growing conditions compared to France is the long hours of sunshine that both the North and South Islands receive. The cooler temperatures help retain the green freshness, while the intense sunshine helps develop beautiful tropical flavours such as passionfruit, melon and pineapple.

Yealands Sauvignon Blanc

This crisp and classic wine has brilliantly high natural acidity balanced by the intense fruit flavours including guava and peach with the classic herbaceous notes of asparagus.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.00

For similar wines from other countries, aim for any warm climates such as South Africa, South Eastern Australia or Chile.

Our Selection Chilean Sauvignon Blanc by Amazon

This is a refreshing white from the Aconcagua region of the Leyda Valley. Flavours of apple, lemon and lime are the most apparent, with a lovely minerality.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.98

Co-op Fairtrade Irresistible Sauvignon Blanc

This zesty sauvignon blanc from The Cape is a refreshing wine full of lemon, lime, ripe melon and passionfruit. A great bang-for-buck find.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.85

If you enjoyed reading this then, have a look at The Best Riesling to Try or if it’s a bang for your buck bottle you’re after then check out these Stunning Supermarket Red Wines for Under £10!

The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 62

It’s that time again! Time for another episode of the Bring A Bottle Podcast! Today we’re chatting about a myriad of things, but here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know!

Make sure to listen to the full podcast so you catch up on all of this and more!

What’s In The Glass?

This week, Helena and Aidy are enjoying a dram of the delicious Fettercairn 12 Year Old Whisky! This whisky is full of tropical fruit flavours with a hint of ginger cake. The vanilla and caramel notes complement the fruit brilliantly and make for a whisky that is flavourful while being light and refreshing. 

Fettercairn uses a unique ‘cooling ring’ on their stills, drenching the stills in fresh, clear mountain water to capture only the finest vapours. This is a great, smooth Scotch that is a must-try this Autumn!

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £38.95

Who Is The Third Drinker…?

This week we’ve got the wonderful Beth Brickenden with us, a long time friend who you might recognise from an episode she featured on a while back! Though she hasn’t brought Vanity Von Glow with her this time, she’s certainly brought her sommelier skills to help us with this week’s tasting challenge… 

To find out more about Beth and what she does, follow her on Instagram at @my.corkscrew.and.i 

What Wine Do Beavers Like?

Yep, beavers. Those little furry things that definitely don’t look like they’d be into fine wine. Well, as it turns out, beavers go MAD for wine grapes. 

Montes Wines, an experimental wine producer in Chile, like to plant their grapes in really crazy locations, and this can lead to some… unwanted visitors. Montes planted a variety of grapes on an untamed islet in Southern Chile, unaware that they would be meeting some furry friends all too soon. Of the Albarino, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes planted on the islet - only one wasn’t chomped through by an army of beavers. Can you guess which one?

If you guessed Sauvignon Blanc - you’d be right! In their accidental nature experiment, Montes Wines have found empirical evidence that Chilean beavers are fussy winos who won’t settle for a New World Sauv Blanc. This Sauvignon Blanc is set to be released soon, listen in to hear the name Helena thinks it should be given…

Chardonnay in a SODA STREAM?

Don’t jump out of your seat just yet, we promise this isn’t a practice we’d let anywhere near the Bring A Bottle Podcast. However, it did come up as a possible way to impress a date on a budget… 

What we want to know is, would it work and what would it taste like? According to the depths of the internet, it actually does work - but can get dangerous! If you’re not careful, you won’t just be committing a crime on the wine world, but could also explode your machine. Don’t try this on carpet, and NEVER try this with red wine.

As for the taste, well, it’ll only be as good as the wine you put in. A bargain cooking white is not going to magically transform into a premium champagne just because it’s been made bubbly!

Read All About It: Exclusive Winebird Sake Vinalogy!

You won’t get this anywhere else, but we’ve just heard that Winebird (aka Helena) has given us a BRAND NEW and EXCLUSIVE Vinalogy for Aldi’s new sake! What’s a Vinalogy I hear you cry? Well, it’s a beautiful, elegant way of understanding wine (or sake) through storytelling - rather than just facts and figures!

If you want to find out Helena’s exclusive verdict on traditional Japanese sake amongst much, much more, you’ll have to pop on Episode 62 of The Bring A Bottle Podcast!

Cheers!